Earl Marvin "Marv" Dick

Earl Marvin Dick (Marv), 72, of Adel, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2019 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines surrounded by his family. He was born August 30, 1946, in Des Moines, IA to Wally and Irene Dick. He was raised in Winterset and graduated from Winterset High School in 1964. After graduating high school, he went on to Northwest Missouri State University where he graduated with a degree in Library Science. Marv made education his life’s work, beginning his career as a librarian at Martensdale St. Mary’s. He went on to become a principal in Fort Dodge where he had the privilege of working with students, staff and families for over 30 years at Riverside Elementary, Arey Elementary and Cooper Elementary. During this time, he earned a Masters, Specialist and Doctorate of Education from Drake University. While at Northwest Missouri State, Marv met Barbara Hill and the two were united in marriage on August 30, 1968. They had two children, Kristi and Matthew, and raised their family in Fort Dodge. In addition to working for the Fort Dodge School District, Marv worked many years as a security guard at Trinity Regional Hospital. He was active in his children’s activities and was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church. Marv was married to his wife, Ronalda Pritchard, in 2000. Marv gained two children in this marriage, Brent and Erin. After retiring from the Fort Dodge Schools, the two made their home in Earlham, where Marv enjoyed living in their beautiful acreage. He worked as principal at Assumption in Granger and Holy Trinity in Beaverdale until 2007 when he retired from school administration. He continued to touch students’ lives as a substitute teacher at Redfield Middle School, where he loved the students and staff. He and Roni currently made their home in Adel where he stayed busy as an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, as a Precinct Official for Dallas County, and an Iowa State Fair volunteer. Marv is survived by his wife Ronalda, daughter, Kristi (Steve) Carew of Garner and their children Olivia and Patrick; son Matthew (Jessica) Dick of Sumner and their children Elizabeth and Meredith; son Brent (Sarah) Pritchard of Iowa City and their children Lydia, Emily, and Chloe; and daughter Erin (Matt) Freeman of Van Meter and their children Logan and Abby. He is survived by his brother Mike (Pam) Dick or Urbandale; step-mother Betty Dick of Stuart; as well as nieces, nephews, and a multitude of friends and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents Wally and Irene Dick and his first wife, Barbara. Marv especially enjoyed spending time with his family whom he was extremely proud of. Over the years he raised many Vizslas and Basset Hounds, some of which were rescued, and he leaves behind his beloved Basset Hound, Maisie. He loved cooking, gardening, and family vacations. He will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives he touched. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2019 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Adel with private burial following in Fort Dodge. Family will greet friends Thursday, May 2nd at the church from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with a scripture service at 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to Knights of Columbus Council #9574 in Adel or AHeinz 57 Pet rescue in De Soto. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – McCalley Chapel in Adel. Online condolences may be left at www.caldwellparrish.com