Obituaries : Ricky Lee Claeys

Ricky Lee Claeys

     KEYSTONE:  Ricky Lee Claeys, 47 of Keystone, died Friday, December 5, 2014 from injuries sustained in a traffic accident East of Keystone.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM, Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Van Horne with Father Craig Steimel as Celebrant.  Interment will be in St. Bridget’s Cemetery, Victor.  Lunch will be served at the Keystone Turner Hall following the committal service at approximately 1 PM.  Visitation will be from 2 – 8 PM, Monday at Phillips Funeral Home in Keystone.  The family requests casual dress for those that attend the visitation and funeral service.  In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

     Rick was born June 8, 1967 in Grinnell to August and Dorothy (Wauters) Claeys.  He graduated from HLV High School with the Class of 1985 and attended DMACC in Des Moines for two years.  Rick farmed in the Victor area and raised livestock at the home farm in Keystone.  He was united in marriage to Carole Husmann on September 3, 1994 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Victor.

     Always active in the community, Rick was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Van Horne, a member and president of the Tara Hills Country Club, vice president of the Keystone Turners, a member of the Iowa State Pork Board, and active in Benton County 4-H. 

     In his leisure, he enjoyed NASCAR, was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Minnesota Viking Fan.  Rick was known for his wonderful sense of humor and willingness to always help others.

     He is survived by his wife, Carole and daughter, Morgan of Keystone; his brothers and sisters, Betty Jo (John) Steele of Cedar Rapids, Denny (Jane) Claeys and David Claeys and special friend, Linda Kubu all of Victor, and Mary (Bernie) Vittetoe of Keota and many nieces and nephews.  Ricky is also survived by his mother-in-law, Elnora Husmann of Wyoming; sister-in-law, Connie (Roger) Pegorick of Wyoming; brothers-in-law, John (Lori) Husmann of North Liberty and Rick (Jayne) Husmann of Monticello and many good friends.

     Rick was preceded in death by his parents, August and Dorothy Claeys; his stillborn daughter, Brooke; his sister-in-law, Linda Claeys and his father-in-law, Robert Husmann.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at:  www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.