Ray Richards
January 24, 1937 ~ November 22, 2018
Ray Richards, 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 22, 2018, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House, Hiawatha, with family at his bedside. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at All Saints Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Reverend John R. Flaherty. Visitation: one hour prior to the service. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Arrangements by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Linda; children, Patrick (Jennifer) of Columbia, Maryland, Douglas (Kendra) of Cedar Rapids, Elizabeth (Lars Moller) of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Matthew (Nancy) of Elmhurst, Illinois; four grandchildren, Emily, Allison, Luke, and Michael; brother, John of Lansing, Michigan; several nieces and nephews; and two beloved labs, Timber and Casey.
Ray Patrick Richards was born January 24, 1937, in Chicago to Ray and Mae (Lapka) Richards. He graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology in 1960 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He met Linda Leifheit at Northern Illinois Gas Company where they both worked. They married on June 6, 1964, in Aurora, Illinois. Ray retired from Interstate Power in 1998 as Vice President of Gas Operations in Dubuque. They moved to Ely, Minnesota, a place dear to Ray's heart, then moved back to Iowa in 2013. Ray loved his family foremost, the woods of Northern Minnesota, fishing, and was a life-long devoted Chicago Cubs fan.
He was preceded in death by his parents; several aunts and uncles including Al, Martha, and Violet; and dogs, Denver and Bailey.
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My deepest condolences to the family, may you find comfort in prayer and the beautiful words of Revelation 21:3-5 where God promises us that He will soon eliminate all death and suffering.
Our deepest sympathy to the Richards family. Mr.Richards was a good man and I’ll always appreciate the Cubs and Sox games he took me to. Many prayers to the Richards family from the Simon Family.
Dave and I send our love to Linda and the kids. Sadly we had to cancel our trip to Cedar Rapids. We are there in spirit with you. Love you. Janita
I met Ray once, when I was visiting Linda’s sister Janita one Easter long ago. He was so funny and made the day for me. My condolences to Linda and the rest of the family. Cheryl Thomas
Tom and I are so very sorry to hear this. Our hearts go out to you at this time. We hope this time with family is a fitting and a warm remembrance of the wonderful Father and husband he was. Love to you, Matt and Nancy and to your family.
Linda am so sorry to hear about Rays passing We know you loved him very much I enjoyed taking care of him You will be in our thoughts and prayers Maureen
Linda, Elizabeth, Patrick, Doug, Matt and family, Ray and I worked together at Interstate Power. He was a real pleasure and a treasure. I count the 10 years working with Ray as my boss among the most enjoyable years of my career. Ray was one of a kind. Ray provided encouragement and it was not a job, we had a lot of good times. I know he was especially proud of all of you. I remember spending time watching Matt play baseball and talking about each of you. I just learned of his passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Until we see you again – Rest in Peace my friend.