Richard Cole

A live stream of the funeral is available below.

Richard Ernest Cole, 74, of Winterset, Iowa passed away on September 2, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.

Richard was born on November 23, 1948, to Ernest and Mary (Blake) Cole in Des Moines, Iowa.  After graduating from Indianola High School in 1967, he went to Northwest Missouri State where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Hopper.  They were married on August 16, 1969, where they began their legacy.

In 1971, they moved to Winterset for job opportunities and made that community their home where they raised their children.  Richard spent his career as a telephone repair technician and took pride in serving people by providing them access to a needed form of communication.  After retirement from Century Link, Richard went to work at the Winterset Cemetery on the grounds crew and helped with funeral preparations.  He took a great deal of pride in keeping the cemetery tidy.

Richard immensely enjoyed working outdoors on landscaping and gardening projects.  He had an innate ability and a willingness to lend a hand to others whenever needed.  He grew to love the Winterset community by being involved with coaching Little League, serving on the Booster Club, and any other activity that involved his children.  In 2001-2002, he was named Fan of the Year for Winterset Athletics.  His largest passion was supporting his children and later his grandchildren in their many sporting events and other activities.  They were his deepest pride and joy and he boasted his greatest achievement.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mary; and his daughter, Rebecca.  He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn of Winterset; his children Matt (Karley) of Urbandale, Zach (Angie) of Shawnee, KS, Nate of Ankeny, Josh (Stacey) of Leawood, KS, Rachel of Winterset, Gabe of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Jacob (Samantha) of Adel; grandchildren, Grant (Merissa), Mykaela (Jeff), Madison, Mylea, Miles, Mykenna, Abigail, Emily, Drew, Ianna, Jack, Ella, Elise, Duke, Gabrielle, Lily; two siblings, RoseMary (Denny) of Indianola, and Denise of Indianola; along with multiple nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at New Bridge Church in Winterset. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 7, 2023 at New Bridge Church. Burial will follow in the Winterset Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be used as a memorial in Richard’s memory. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.