Richard Sirfus

Richard L. Sirfus, 81 died peacefully with his family at his side early Sunday morning February 13, 2011. Visitation will be held Wednesday February 16, 2011, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home. Funeral services will be, Thursday February 17, 2011, at 12 p.m at Hamilton’s Southtown.

Richard was born on September 14, 1929, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Charles Anthony and Mary Kathleen Sirfus. He attended North High School in Des Moines. In 1949, he met the love of his life, Patricia Marjory Bird. After being dazzled by her beauty and charm, he and his “baby blues” convinced Patty to marry him September 1, 1950. Richard worked for Iowa Power and Light for 40 years. Richard was a proud Veteran of the Korean War, a Shriner and a Mason. He served his community in many ways. He was active in politics and held numerous state and National Labor Board positions representing the AFL-CIO. He was one of the original Des Moines Human Rights Commissioners. His retirement was long and fulfilling. He drove a school bus for the Des Moines School District. He built wooden cars, trains and doll houses. He was a historian and dabbled in genealogy and was known to tell a story or two. Summer months were spent at the family’s lake home in Missouri and at the Iowa State Fair, where Richard and Patty had the title of King and Queen of the Iowa State Fair Potty Patrol.

Richard is preceded in death by his father, Charles Anthony; his daughter, Vickie Sue; mother, Mary Kathleen Baker; stepfather, Everet Baker; sister, Maxine, and brother, Robert. Richard is survived by his wife and best friend and constant companion of 60 years, Patricia; daughters, Kathy Jo Spurlock (Bruce) and Candice Lee Sirfus; grandchildren, Joshua Shaffer (Angie), Haylee and Hanna, Andrew Dale (Angela), Hunter, Sarah Shaffer-White (Sam) , Averi, Amanda Dale-Speck (Nick) and Julie Anna Dale ( fiancé, Scott Theis); brothers John Sirfus, and Michael Baker (Cathy) and special nephew, Edward Sirfus.

Richard was an exceptional son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be missed, loved, remembered and never forgotten. The family would like to thank Dr. DeFransico, and Dr. Hicklin, the staff at Iowa Methodist and Johnston Hospice for the care and support they provided during Dad’s illness. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations can be made in loving memory of Richard L. Sirfus, to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, St. Jude’s Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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