Richard “Dick” Recker

Saturday, October 7, 2023 4:46 pm

Richard “Dick” Stephen Recker of New Hampton, died at age 92 on Oct. 5 , 2023 at Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 p.m.  on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023 at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton, with Father Jim Goerend celebrating the Mass. Friends may greet the family at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton. Friends are invited to join the family at Poor Richards Pizza Kitchen following the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Oldorft Hospice House in Cedar Rapids.

Dick was born on Jan. 30,1931 in New Hampton. Dick was the son of Frank and Celeste (Underkofler) Recker. Dick graduated from New Hampton High School in 1949 and enrolled at Notre Dame University (go Irish!). He left Notre Dame to join the Air Force, serving during the Korean War. In his time in the service he was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. After the service, he returned to Notre Dame and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce.

After graduation Dick went to work for IDS financial services as a broker in Chicago. Soon after he began following the horse racing circuit as a jockey’s agent and horse racing secretary. During this time he began dating Margaret (Peg) Huffman. Dick and Peg were married on September 22, 1979 and were blessed with their daughter Monica in 1983. They made their home in New Hampton and purchased Poor Richards Pizza Kitchen, which Dick owned and operated until he retired in 2007.

Dick enjoyed golfing and was a member at the New Hampton Country Club. He also was an avid supporter of Notre Dame football and enjoyed watching games and cussing at the TV. One of Dick’s many passions was food, and not just pizza. As many know, he always had a fridge and countertop full of snacks. This reigned true throughout his final days. Dick will be remembered for his social nature and was always outgoing and vibrant with all – family, friends, and customers. Whether he was delivering pizzas in the Jeep or cruising in his Cadillac, all those who knew him will miss his sing-song voice as he went by.

He was survived by his daughter Monica (Nick) Edwards of Solon, his brother Fr. Phil Recker of Dubuque, his brother-in-law Dan (Sue) Huffman of New Hampton, his sisters-in law Pat (Dennis) Ruffridge of Cresco and Donna (Mike) Huffman of Cedar Falls, long time family friends Susan Gates of North Liberty, John (Mary) Gates of Cedar Rapids, Lisa (Rob) Wilson of Marion, and Kim (Lynn) Hopp of New Hampton, along with several nieces and nephews and grand-friends.

Dick was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife, his mother and father-in law Raymond and Rosemary Huffman, brothers-in-law Mark Huffman, Mike Huffman, John Huffman, and Dan Schwickerath, and long time family friends Dale and Mona Gates, Elaine (Peony) Gates and Karen Erion.

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