Obituaries : Richard Lee Silhanek

Richard Lee Silhanek, 87, of Keystone, Iowa, passed away September 2, 2022, at the Keystone Care Center. He was surrounded by loving family and compassionate caregivers during the days leading up to and at the time of his passing.

Funeral services will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Keystone, on Friday, September 16 at 10:30 am officiated by the Reverend Andy Wright. The family will greet friends prior to the service beginning at 9:00 am at the church. Burial will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, following the luncheon at the church.

Rich was born August 23, 1935, in Cedar Rapids, to John and Mayme Silhanek. He was raised on the family farm in rural Dysart. He graduated from Keystone High School in 1953, where he was active in many school activities enjoying baseball and basketball.

Rich was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Keystone and served his church in many roles over the years. He was united in marriage to Norma Louise Folkmann on November 5, 1955. The couple farmed near Luzerne and Belle Plaine until 1961 when they bought the Folkmann family farm northwest of Keystone where they continued to farm until their retirement. Rich loved farming and would describe the farmland and crops as beautiful. He was dedicated to his community having served with the Optimist Club in Keystone and the Keystone Telephone Company Board.

Most of all, Rich was a devoted husband and loved family. He is survived by his two daughters, Linda Chase (Steve) of Columbus, OH; and Carol Larson (Sven) of Cedar Rapids, IA; four grandchildren, whom he cherished, Ryan Chase (Alyssa Gustafson) of Chicago, IL; Michelle Aquillo (Anthony) of Columbus, OH; Andrew Larson (Elizabeth) of Huntingtown, MD; and Sara Larson (Adam Schmuelling) of St. Louis, MO. He also adored his four great grandchildren, Augie, Alfie, Ava and Everett, and treasured all the pictures and visits from them; sisters-in-law, Helen Folkmann of Keystone, IA; Ethel Baker of Cedar Rapids, IA; and several nieces and nephews with whom he always enjoyed a visit.

He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife of 61 years, Norma, his son, Denny, his brother Wayne and siblings Donald and Marjorie in infancy.

Rich lived a celebrated, full life. He enjoyed country music, sports, especially the Iowa Hawkeyes and New York Yankees, bowling, playing cards, NASCAR racing and red tractors. He had a sweet tooth that was never satisfied, and Norma was the perfect match for him with her masterful baking of sweet treats which he appreciated and enjoyed. They celebrated 61 years together working the farm and spending time with family and friends. He was humble, generous and a role model of integrity, commitment to family, strong work ethic and business acumen. His sense of humor and optimism will be greatly missed by those who knew him. People were drawn to him by his quick wit, infectious laugh, the spark in his eyes and how he would spontaneously break into song.

The family will be forever grateful for the five years of care Rich received at the Keystone Care Center which provided excellent support for the Parkinson's Disease he battled. The hallmark of the care center was the way they treated him like family. The St. Croix Hospice team provided additional sensitive and compassionate care over the past several months.

#AmericaNeedsFarmers; #CountryMusic; #Kolaches; #StrawberryShakes

Memorials may be directed to the family, St. John's Lutheran Church, or the Keystone Care Center.