Rick Cowger
June 12, 1952 ~ January 28, 2022
Rick Cowger, 69, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Friday, January 28, 2022, at home. Visitation: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Private Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include his parents, Ronald Sr. and Wanda Cowger; siblings, Charlene (David) Jaeger, Ronald Jr. (Valerie Moore) Cowger, Carla (Steve) Wimer, and Kathi (Stan) Applegate; best friend and companion, Becky Durand; step-daughter, Jennifer Smith; seven nephews; one niece; and many extended family members and friends.
Rickey Lee Cowger was born June 12, 1952, in Cedar Rapids, to Ronald Max and Wanda Mae (Beaird) Cowger. He graduated from Washington High School in 1971. Rick worked for over ten years at Rockwell Collins, and most recently at Camden Amusement as a certified electrical technician. He recently retired after over 30 years of dedicated work. Rick enjoyed music--especially the Blues and Frank Zappa, playing the guitar, making a wicked pepper jack grilled cheese, tinkering, and collecting many items including guitars, antiques, slot machines, and pinball machines. Rick was an avid reader with eclectic tastes in subjects ranging from Iowa cuisine to the classics. He was an intelligent man, and was known for his Fender t-shirt and jeans style, and of course his long beard. Rick will be missed by his loving family.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; brother, Don; and two favorite cats, Jupiter and Mars.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
To his family. I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart pours out to your family and friends. I worked with Rick in the 70’s at Collins Radio in building 105 he was a quite man with real long hair. Rest In Peace God Bless. ❤️❤️
Very sorry to hear about Rick. He was a great guy! Many laughs.
I was sorry to hear about Rick’s passing. I met him in ’97 when I moved to CR and was working for an attorney’s office who worked with Camden. He was a great guy, always a good sense of humor and always willing to help. He dug my car out of the snow/ice once and never complained or expected anything in return. His stories and knowledge of so many things ranging from music, history and collector items was amazing. He was a good guy and he will be missed.
We’re sorry to hear about Rick’s passing. We’ve known Rick for a long time since Maidrite days. He was an awesome guy with a great sense of humor and I’m going to miss talking to him. Always interesting conversation. Rest in peace my friend. Dennis and Leigh Carson family
I first met Rick when I started working at Collins in 1976 he was 5 years older then myself and when your 18 that’s huge. Rick and the other people in Bldg. 112 helped in my maturation and I considered him a good friend and was fortunate to run into him a few times when back in CR. My deepest sympathy’s to his friends and family. Patrick Kelsey
I worked with Rick for 13 years at Camden. I couldn’t tell you how many jukeboxes we installed, but it was always a great time! Thanks Rick for the friendship and all the stories! You will be missed! Rest in paradise!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Such a dear friend from years gone by. I’m so sad to hear of Rick’s passing. Every memory that includes him is accompanied with a smile and warm fuzzies… that’s who Rick was to me. I still remember the day he handed me a case with a pool cue and said “here you go young lady – you need this” delivered with his genuine Rick smile. Definitely not just one of the good ones… Rick will always be one of the best! Dear, dear friend – thank you for the memories and all that you shared with us all. A conversation with you was never just words… they always made me think… and every interaction was punctuated with that chuckle. May you Rest In Peace Rick ☮️ My sincerest condolences to Rick’s family all all that loved him.
Dear Anna and Cowger Family, Please accept this small grove of trees as a living tribute in honor of Rick’s memory.
I’m sorry for your loss. I worked with Rick at Collins back in the 70,s. We had many good conversations about books, music, hair, and bicycling. Railroad tracks were a particular hazard to Rick. Many fond memories. Rick was one good guy. Kathie Duesenberg
So sad to hear Rick passed away, had soooo many fun times with him at the Eastside Maidrite bar and more recently saw him many times helping with ” ticket machines” . He will be missed.