Richard "Dick" Klapperich, 69, of Oelwein passed away peacefully Monday November 6 2023 surrounded by his three favorite nieces at Oelwein Healthcare Center. The girly conversations were too much for him so he couldn't wait to get to the other side. Visitation will be from 3:00-6:00 PM on Sunday November 12, 2023 at the Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home in Oelwein. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 AM on Monday November 13, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein with Fr. Ray Atwood officiating. His final resting place will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Oelwein. The family encourages those attending the visitation to wear their favorite Hawkeye, Packer, or Husky attire to celebrate Dick's love of sports. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a memorial gift to the Oelwein Fine Arts Guild and to set up a scholarship fund in his name.
Richard "Dick" Leo Klapperich was born April 11, 1954 in Oelwein to parents Frederick and Rose (Faist) Klapperich. Dick graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School with the class of 1972. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Oelwein. Dick was employed for many years as a meter reader in the Oelwein area with Interstate Power Company and later with Alliant Energy. Dick was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he also volunteered his time.
If you didn't know, Dick was an avid Green Bay Packers, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Oelwein Huskies fan. Dick lived to serve the community, as he dedicated almost all his time to serving others. He loved announcing and score keeping for basketball, football, baseball, softball, and helping with the Husky band whenever he could. He also very much loved his time spent at the Williams Center helping with shows, performances, and special events. To know Dick, you know the people of the community were near and dear to his heart. His passing will be felt deeply within the community and family. His presence always brought joy and laughter. Dick was great at telling stories (even if you didn't know anyone involved) and his wise cracks and sarcasm will be greatly missed. He was one of a kind, the best son/brother/uncle/great uncle/friend a person could ask for with a heart of gold. He was also extremely organized and really did not like it when someone messed with his stuff. "Don't touch anything" was a usual phrase heard if you grew up with him. He was a picky eater, but would never turn down a hot plate or a slice of pie.
Left to celebrate Dick's life are his siblings: Elizabeth (Gene) Streicher of Oelwein, Duane Klapperich of Clive, Jane Bryan of Cedar Rapids, and Dale (Anne) Klapperich of Rock Island, IL; his sister-in-law Barb Klapperich of Waverly; his nieces and nephews: Karen (Al) Bonefas, Paul Klapperich, Adam (Diana) Hartwick, Janel (Riley) Williams, Amanda (Sean) Emery, Philip Streicher, Faith (Matthew) Awkerman, Alec Klapperich, and Owen Klapperich; his nine great-nieces and nephews; as well as many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers Bob Klapperich and Bill Klapperich.
The family would like to give a special thanks to all employees at Oelwein Healthcare Center, everyone there was absolutely amazing and we cannot thank you enough for everything.
