| Richard R. “Rick” Lynch |
Richard R. “Rick” Lynch, 77, of St. Libory, died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at CHI Health—St. Francis in Grand Island.
Graveside services were held on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul. Pastor Nicole Schwartz-Eck officiated.
A celebration of life was held on Thursday at the Beer Barrel Bar in St. Libory.
Memorials are suggested to St. Libory EMS or to the family for later designation.
Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.
Rick was born on November 6, 1947, at Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of Francis L. and Gladys M.
(Cupp) Lynch. He grew up in Alden, Iowa and graduated from Alden High School in 1965. He then attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1969.
Rick was united in marriage to Sally S. Hammel on August 31, 1968 in Greene, Iowa.
Rick served in the United States Army from Aug. 1970 until March 1972. After his basic training, he was stationed in Germany. He also continued to serve in the United States Army Reserves for several more years.
Rick worked as a feed salesman for Ralston Purina in Iowa City from 1973 until 1974 and Wayne Feeds in Iowa City and then in Grand Island from 1975 until 2000. He also sold cars at Paul Spady Motors in Hastings before his retirement.
Rick was a former member of the St. Paul Country Club, the Palmer United Methodist Church, and American Legion Post 120 of Palmer. He had also served as a board member of the Howard County Historical Society. Over the years, Rick had traveled extensively with the United States Army, working for Wayne Feeds, and vacations with family and friends.
Rick pitched fast-pitch softball for many years in Ames, Iowa City, Patch Barracks (in Stuttgart, Germany), and for the Palmer town team. He also coached seventhrough- nine-year- old boys’ baseball for six years and girls softball for two really long years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, and family. After his health declined, he really enjoyed watching old westerns on television.
He is survived by his wife, Sally, of St. Libory; children, Jeffrey Lynch of San Marcos, Texas, Michael and Ashley Lynch of St. Paul, and Jenna and Steve Janulewicz of Grand Island; and six grandchildren, Taevyn and London Lynch, Jordan and Kinzley Lynch, and Owen and Ava Janulewicz.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother and sister-inlaw, Darwin and Estie Schroeder.
Condolences and memories may be shared with Rick’s family by visiting www.petersfuneralhome. net.
The Phonograph-Herald | December 25, 2024