Richard Keith Turpen

Richard Turpen, 66, passed away August 30, 2013, at Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. He was born August 14, 1947, in Dexter, Iowa, to Richard C. and Florence Mae (Smith) Turpen.

Richard graduated from Valley High School in 1965. After high school he married Marcia Jungwirth on April 4, 1968. He then received his Bachelor’s degree from Graceland College in 1969, and his Master’s of Special Education from UNI in 1975.

Richard worked for Rock Island Railroad during his summers while in college. He taught three years at Iowa State Training School for boys in Eldora, Iowa. He also was a softball and little league baseball coach for many years. Richard was an Elder for RLDS Church, was president of Kiwanis Club, and Cub Master of Washington School Pack-101-CC. Richard was Executive Director for 21 years at Comp Systems, and he cherished his years helping people with disabilities.

Richard is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marcia; sons, David A. (Theresa) Turpen of Webster City, IA, and Richard S. (Darlene) Turpen of Charles City, IA; daughter, Katherine L. Turpen (Jerry Parks) of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren, Andrew and Christopher Turpen, Austin and Sarah Kate Turpen, Courtney and Makayla Nierling, and Jackson, Brandon, Jeridan, and Maisy Parks; great granddaughter, Alivia Parks; pet and partner-in-crime, Fonzi. He is also survived by sisters, Verna Snow, Sally (Dan) Myers, and Bonnie (Jeff) Whitehall; brother-in-law, John Hrovat; sisters-in-law, Margaret Ann (John) McPherson and Bobbie (Jeff) Miles; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Valinda Smith and Vicki Hrovat; daughter-in-law, Tiffany Guthart Turpen; and his grandparents.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, September 2, 2013, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be made to family in loving memory of Richard.

Condolences for the family may be offered at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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