Richard E. Simpson
January 02, 2015
Richard (Dick) E. Simpson died peacefully on January 2, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. Dick was born on January 22, 1926, the last of eight children of Ole and Carrie (Stader) Simpson.
He graduated from East High School (June 1944) and attended Drake University. Dick served in the Army Air Corp. during WWII. While at East H.S., with a wink Dick won the heart of Beverly Plude, the love of his life. They were married on May 31, 1946, and blessed with four daughters.
Dick followed his father and brother Glenn into the Lathers Local No. 8 and later the Carpenters Local No. 106, where he had a long career and helped build many of the buildings that make up the Des Moines' skyline. He retired from Allied Construction in 1988. Dick was also an active member of Simpson United Methodist Church, serving on numerous boards over the years.
Dick was intelligent, witty, resourceful, patriotic and a "softie" when it came to his family. A life-long East sider, when he had free time, he could be found golfing at Grandview golf course, where he twice scored a hole-in-one.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Bev; his daughters Candy (Dave) Bair of Des Moines, Judy (Rick) Pertzborn of West Des Moines, Penni (Mike) McKinley of Ames, and Barb (Rick) Blane of West Des Moines. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jennifer Pertzborn Moulton, Sarah Pertzborn Powell, Erik Bair, Matthew Pertzborn, Allison Bair, Anne Pertzborn Schapman, Ryan Blane, Keyea Meyer Fowles and Cory Blane, as well as nineteen great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Hamilton's Funeral Home, E. 6th and Lyon, Des Moines, on Friday, January 9, 2015, from 4 - 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Simpson United Methodist Church, E. 26th and Capitol, Des Moines, on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 11 a.m. Internment of cremains will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of Dick to Simpson United Methodist Church or John Stoddard Cancer Center, Inpatient Unit - Powell 3, 1415 Woodland Avenue, Ste. E-200, Des Moines, IA 50309.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Cindy Taylor
01/09/2015
Barb and family, so sorry for your loss. I know he will be missed a lot. Know we are thinking of you and God Bless. Cindy, Bub and Kaity Taylor
Chuck Lauritsen
01/08/2015
Judy, Penni, Barb, So sorry to hear of your father's passing. I will pray for you all and hope the gift of his memories overshadows the pain of his loss.
Luann Rowat
01/07/2015
Bev,
I remember Dick with such fondness and will always remember his kind words and twinkle of his eye with a funny comment. I will miss him at the library. God bless.
Nancy Beghtol Zinter
01/07/2015
Penni,
So sorry to hear about your dad's passing. He will always be with you in your heart. Hugs, Nancy
Cindy Knight
01/07/2015
Barb so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending prayers of comfort to you and your family.
BOB & LAURA TUCKER
01/06/2015
WE ARE SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DICK PASSING. WE ARE THINKING ABOUT YOU. WE ARE IN TEXAS SO CAN NOT BE WITH YOU. GOD BE WITH YOU.
Pat Dobelis
01/06/2015
Penni- so sorry to hear about your father... I understand as I also lost my dad recently. I extend much sympathy to you and your family for your loss. pat
Darrell and Dessa Williams
01/06/2015
Cousin Dick you will be missed more than you know.. years of memorys are always in out hearts and minds. I pray for your wonderful Family and know how much they will miss you. RIP. Dick
Bob Nathanson
01/05/2015
Penni, I am sorry to hear of your fathers death. I know that you enjoyed talking about him, he obviously was a very good man and an interesting person.
Sue Paterson-Nielsen
01/05/2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of loss. I remember many days and nights at your house Penni as we were in high school. I always thought a lot of your dad, since my dad passed away when I was 11. The love he shared with your family always warmed my heart and both your parents always made us feel very welcome at your house. May Gods love provide your family comfort and peace during this time. Hugs
Larry & Mary Hills
01/05/2015
We are so sorry to hear of your father's passing. While we were not fortunate enough to have known your father we have no doubt we would have loved to have called him our friend.
Jim Foreman
01/05/2015
So sorry for your loss Penni. I enjoyed hearing stories about your dad, and am proud to know one of his daughters.