Richard E. Van Gundy
January 23, 2017
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Service Details
Richard E. Van Gundy, son of Grace Josephine (Keeling) Van Gundy and James Leonard Van Gundy died on January 23, 2017 after a long illness.
Services will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 600 6th Ave, Des Moines. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Avon Cemetery, Avon Lake, Iowa.
He was born in Des Moines on November 10, 1931 and is a graduate of East High School. He attended Grandview College and graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. After graduating, he began a 50 year career with Polk County starting as a road engineer and culminating with 30 years as the Polk County Engineer/ Public Works Director. During his career, he was awarded many recognitions including National County Engineer of the Year by the National Association of County Engineers. He sat on the scholarship committee at Iowa State University for the Engineering Department and served in the Army. Public service was a core belief of his and he enjoyed serving constituents.
Richard married Evelyn Warddrip on February 10, 1966 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past year. United they had two children. Richard enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; taking vacations with his family, farming as a “hobby”, attending his children’s events and having coffee with family and friends.
He was proceeded in death by his parents and grandparents. He is succeeded by his wife Evelyn (Corky), son Richard E. Van Gundy II, daughter Georgia G. Van Gundy, son-in law Chad Kleppe and grandchildren Carson and Grace Kleppe.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church at 7th and Keo Way, Des Moines. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
john chambers
01/30/2017
i'm so sorry to learn of richard's passing. i worked for polk county public works in the early '90's. my schedule was four 10 hour days so, i was in the office till 5;30 pm. richard was almost always there working late. usually there was no one else there which gave me the opportunity to visit with richard. i found him to be a very pleasant; intelligent; and gracious man.
he will surely be missed. my thoughts and prayers are with the family and close friends of Richard's.
sincerely,
john s. chambers
Lynn and Ken Boyd
01/29/2017
Georgia and family--We are so sorry and saddened to hear of your loved one's passing. I know how much he meant to you, Georgia. We only met him once at the State Fair but it was evident the love and respect that you had for each other. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Lynn and Ken Boyd
Charles Lauritsen
01/29/2017
Dick Van Gundy was a good man who helped my father get his construction company started after Dad returned from World War II. Dick had faith in a veteran and was willing to give him a chance on some small county projects. My life is measurably better because Dick looked out for those needing a chance. I hope these comments will raise the family's spirits in their time of loss. I am praying for you all as well as Dick.
Sharon Bennink
01/28/2017
I am truly sorry for your loss. I will be praying for your family during this difficult time. Your friend from Principal Financial Group.
Sharon Bennink
Marcie Prince
01/28/2017
To Richard, Corky, Georgia and your whole family, I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your Father and Husband. I wish I could be there with you at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Richard, hope we can reconnect soon. I would love to hear from you.