Richard Cook Obituary

Richard "Dick" Cook, 75, of Indianola, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at UnityPoint Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Richard was born on July 19, 1950, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Richard and Barbara Cook. He was the only surviving son, as his only brother, David, passed away in infancy, and he grew up alongside his five sisters. Dick was a devoted brother - always present, protective, and supportive. Through the years, he remained a constant source of support not only to them but also to their children, who looked up to him with admiration. At 17, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army, proudly serving from 1968 to 1969 before being honorably discharged after a severe injury while stationed in Korea. He later worked in road construction across the country before beginning a 25-year career with the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 2008. While working at the post office, he met the love of his life, Linda. They married in Las Vegas in 1984, blending together their families and three children - Karen, John, and Alex. Richard cherished Linda deeply throughout their 41 years together. He never missed a chance to hold her hand, say I love you, or steal a kiss. Their commitment to each other served as an inspiration to all who knew them. Richard was a fun-loving, faithful, and devoted family man. He had a strong Christian faith and found great comfort in reading and studying the Bible. His faith shaped his character and was evident in the way he treated others - with kindness, humility, and grace. Richard lived by deeply rooted values and an unwavering work ethic. He was honest, dependable, and steady in both word and action. He believed in doing what was right, even when it wasn't easy, and held himself to high standards in every part of life. His quiet strength, sense of duty, and steadfast presence made him a rock for his family and a role model to many. Richard's grandchildren were the light of his life. He made it his mission to fill their lives with fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories. He and Linda enjoyed time with the grandkids often - celebrating every milestone and always staying involved, whether it was taking them on trips and adventures, cheering them on at games, running them to and from school, making stops at DQ, or simply having fun. All the grandkids will never forget the birthday phone calls when Grandpa would sing "Happy Birthday" in the most wonderfully obnoxious way he could. Richard cherished his friends and extended family. He never hesitated to travel long distances just to spend time with loved ones. His loyalty ran deep, and his ability to make others feel important, seen, and supported was part of what made him so special. He was known for hosting epic family Fourth of July parties - full of food, karaoke, laughter, and memories that will be treasured forever. Richard had many passions. He loved horse racing and proudly co-owned a few horses with close friends as part of a group called Crown Racing. Even in retirement, he stayed busy -starting a lawn mowing business with his grandsons that he continued until 2024. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life: grilling, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, listening to country music in his garage, fishing, pheasant hunting, bowling, and shooting pool. He leaves behind a legacy grounded in faith, family, and love - one that will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; children, Karen (Mike) Hedeen, John (Tiffany) Schroeder, and Alex (Kristen) Graham; grandchildren, Tanner White, Schantelle (Timothy) Jones, Amber (Corey) Bisher, Ashley Schroeder, Alissa Schroeder, Breanna (Clayton) Sampson, Nolan Graham, Colton Gordon, Noelle Graham, and Luke Gordon; great-grandchildren, Aaydaen Dittmer, Brooklynn White, Brayden May, Aavya Drake, Mosslee Drake, Paislee Allen, Bria Bisher, Wesley Grafton, Boone Bisher, Willow Jones, and Bella Bisher; sisters, Barbara Ballwahn, Karen Miller, Becky Adams, and Julie Cook; and brothers-in-law, Mike Keenan and Greg (Marnie) Webb. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Barbara Cook; brother, David Cook; and sister, Debra Keenan. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola, with a Time of Remembrance beginning at 7 p.m. Graveside services with Military Honors will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, August 8, at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa. Memorial contributions may be made in Richard's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.