Richard L. Suntken

Richard (Dick) L. Suntken, age 82, of Lake View, IA, passed away Thursday, November 27, 2014 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, IA. Richard LeRoy Suntken was born on December 31, 1931 to parents Alfred and Manola (Donner) Suntken in Anchor, IL. During his childhood he lived in Montpelier, OH and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1950. Following high school he enlisted in the Marines and served during the Korean Conflict, achieving the rank of Lance Corporal before his honorable discharge in 1952. He was married to Ila (Jean) Britton on September 30, 1950. They were blessed with five children. They later divorced. After Dick left the military, he farmed in Ohio. He later worked for National Farmer’s Organization (NFO) in the grain department, during which he was transferred to Creston, IA.

Dick married Kathy Johnson Foster on August 15, 1975 in Maryville, MO and welcomed her 4 children into his family, eventually settling in Primghar, IA. After Dick left NFO, he worked as a feed salesman for Ralston Purina. Then he and Kathy started their own business, Rock Hound, after moving to Lake View, IA. They enjoyed collecting and selling rocks, gemstones and jewelry for their business. He adored all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved them unconditionally. His greatest joy was being able to spend time with them. Dick also loved fishing, hunting, traveling and gardening. He will be dearly missed by all those that knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish Dick’s memory include his children: Wendy Netherton of Salem, OR, Steven (Diana) Suntken of Claremore, OK, Melody Gaynor Suntken of Crossville, TN, David (Mary) Suntken of Orange City, IA, Sharon Hadden of Nevada, IA, Doug (Julie) Foster of Smithville, MO, Mimi (Jim) Wagner of Primghar, IA, and Kelley (Todd) Robinson of Clive, IA, Shelly (Tracy) Franks of Council Bluffs, IA; brothers: Alfred (Agnes) Suntken Jr. of Butler, IN, Edward Suntken of Monpelier, OH, and Merle (Marcille) Suntken of Nevada, IA; sister Betty Preston of Pioneer, OH; 31 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren with three great-grandchildren on the way; and many extended family members and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife Kathy; parents Alfred Henry and Manola Pearl; brother Robert Suntken; and sister Mary Herzog.