Richard Lage
April 02, 2009
Richard John Lage, 78, passed away on April 2, 2009. Visitation will be on Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon with a memorial service at 12:00 noon at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA.
Rick was born on April 1, 1931 to Emil and Gladyce (Guertin) Lage in Hartley, IA. He attended the University of San Francisco, was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and his professional acting career culminated in a primary role in “The Bridges of Madison County.” He met Jan at the Des Moines Playhouse during an audition for “Dylan”. He was awarded the lead role of Dylan and Jan the part of a stripper, it was love at first site and they were together for 40 years. Rick also enjoyed reading, music, Shakespeare, watching the Vikings and the Hawkeye’s play football, and was very active in community theatre.
He is survived by his wife Janice; sons, Erich (Tami), Brian and Todd; daughter, Leslie; seven grandchildren, Jescica, Adriel, Erica, Nicole, Taylor, Tony and Max; six great-grandchildren, Erich, Natalie, Lauryn, Alec, Olivia and Nuria; sister, Janice Rodriquez and sister-in-law, Jane Wonderlich.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family.
www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com
Candy
04/12/2009
Jan
On this Easter morning Im thinking of you and Rick, He always having a watchful eye out for you. One could always see the love you had for each other. I know Rick will always be with you, all you need to do is think of him and hes there. Hell be the best Guardian Angel, so listen carefully and hell guide you in the right direction
Love you
Candy
Linda R. Blakely/Joseph Pundzak
04/05/2009
We had the wonderful opportunity to work with Rick on several occasions. He and his talent will be missed. Our deepest sympathies!
Shirley Jones
04/05/2009
Jan: I am sending love and support from your caring classmates, the HHS Class of '59. Condolences from all of us -- we love you and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Thinking of you and your wonderful family.
Shirley and Gary Jones
Nita & Jess Westfall
04/04/2009
To Jan and the Lage Family,
The stage in heaven is aglow with Rick's talent and humor. He is probably directing God around right now... and God is smiling for he has the best by his side.
He will be missed by all - not only for his humor, but for his kindness.
The smiles he brought to many in his personal life as well as his public life on stage will never be forgotten.
The tears in our eyes today will turn to smiles on our faces tomorrow when we think of Rick. We were all blessed to know him. Thank you for sharing him with the world.
Our love, thoughts, and prayers go out to your family,
Nita & Jess
Nita & Jess Westfall
04/04/2009
Jan and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The memorial service today was just as Rick would have liked it... some theatre, some sadness, some joy, and a lot of love when friends and family shared memories of their times together.
He did his way! He went out with the lights still on and the curtains down! It will be a dark time in Des Moines community theatre because he has left the stage.
Many hugs and lots of love,
Nita & Jess
Bertha Murillo
04/04/2009
Dear Erich and family,
You are in my prayers and thoughts during this time of loss. It's very difficult to lose your dad. However God will give you strength and the loving memories and good times spent with your dad will remain in your heart forever.
With sincere and deep sympathy.
Bertha Murillo
Jess, Vickie and Mary Terrell
04/03/2009
Dear Janice,
We are so sorry to learn of Rick's passing. Out thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. Please know that we are holding you close in our hearts.
Jess, Vickie & Mary Terrell
Jerry & Ronnie Hewitt
04/03/2009
Jan,We are thinking of you during this sad time and hoping that warm memories will ease your sadness and comfort yur heart. Rick was always so devoted to you and we remember his loving caring ways when you had your accident. You could tell he always adored you. What a memory to treasure in your heart. For each hour of your loneliness we wish you a day of comfort, for each minute of grief.....a year of peace. And for every tear a thousand reasons to smile.We're praying that God will give you courage to face the days ahead. Our heartfelt sympathy. Jerry & Ronnie
Chuck & Jean McSparin
04/03/2009
We were sorry to hear of your loss. No words will ever be enough. We have you in our thoughts and prayers.
gary mickle
04/03/2009
dear jan and family, i am so sorry for your loss. the trauma of the hospice death vigil is still fresh for me with my dads passing. there are no words to take away the sting of death - just know that in time with the love of your family and friends the trauma will be lessened.
i am so glad that i got to meet rick during my early times with united in des moines. he was a genuinely a nice man and you wanted to get to know him more. my thoughts, prayers and arms are around all you in this very sad time. gary
Micheal, Amy & Alison Blaess
04/03/2009
What a beaufiful photo of your father Todd. His smile - much like yours - lights up a room. The loss of your father is so tragically sudden that my heart aches for you and your family. He is in a place that knows only love and peace. The pain and the travesties of this world no longer affect him and for that there can be some, if only very, very slight consolation. the harder place indeed is to be those left behind.
I sincerely do put my heart to you in this time and will help in any way that I can adn please extend that to you entire family.
God Bless,
Amy Blaess
Jim Fogarty
04/03/2009
Oh, my! I remember Rick in "Dylan" at The Playhouse in the late 60's.
His performance was amazing and gave this high school kid the belief that one really could totally immerse in a character. I never saw him or worked with him without thinking of that stellar performance.
So many plays, so much fun, so much support, so much caring! I always enjoyed the opportunities to work (and play) with Rick! I will miss that smile and those twinkling eyes! What a guy!
Gina Gedler
04/03/2009
I am sorry for your loss.
My prayers and thoughts are with your family in the time of sorrow.
Gina Gedler
Cheryl Wyllie
04/03/2009
Janice,
I am so sorry for your loss. Although I had not met Rick, Ann talked so positively about the both of you and if he was chosen by you, I know he was a great guy. You have my sincere sympathy.
Preshia Paulding
04/03/2009
My heart aches at Rick's passing. So talented and fun-loving, a great person who will never be replaced. I'm so proud to have worked with him and know him. He will forever be in my heart.
I know if he could, he would say "Hey, Peeerrrsh"...and he would smile that smile. And I'd smile right back...and I'd feel better.
My very heart-felt thoughts and prayers are with you, Jan, and the rest of your family. Jan, you are amazing and beautiful lady with such a loving heart. I will pray that the love within you and the love of those around you fill and embrace your heart with a sense of peace.
With Love,
Preshia Paulding