Richard Will

Richard E. Will, 85, of Harcourt, Iowa, passed away Thursday, June 14, 2012, at Grandview Health Care Center in Dayton.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Dayton. Pastor Arhiana Shek and Trinity Hospice Chaplain Gary Snook will officiate. Burial will be in the Dayton Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Carson - Stapp Funeral Home in Dayton.

Richard Eugene Will was born on August 8, 1926, on the family farm south of Dayton, Iowa, the son of Hubert and Edith (Tomlinson) Will. He attended school in the area of his birth and graduated with the Dayton High School class of 1945. On October 28, 1951, Richard was united in marriage to Marie Orva Tweedt at Estherville, Iowa. The couple lived and farmed the family farm south of Dayton until moving to Harcourt in 1979. He later worked as a self-employed carpenter until about 1996.

Richard was raised in the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Dayton. Upon moving to Harcourt, Richard and Marie became members of the Harcourt and Lanyon Covenant Churches. Richard loved music and singing. He sang in the Pilot Mound Male Chorus, Farmers Four Quartet, and was called on to sing at weddings and funerals for over 60 years. Most recently Richard sang with the Sonshine Singers. His last solo was in August of 2011 at his granddaughter's wedding. Richard also loved sports and played baseball and fast-pitch softball into his late 40's.

Survivors include his wife of over 60 years, Marie Will of Harcourt, Iowa; his son, Dennis Will of Dallas, Texas, and his children, Matthew and Michael Will. One daughter, Diane Doolittle of Harcourt, Iowa, and her children, Jordan, Jessica, Jennifer, and great grandchildren, Jaiden and Javon, and Joel, and Jacob Doolittle. Son, David (Jacie) Will of Dayton, Iowa, and their children, Chris (Stephanie) Will, and great grandchildren, Cameron and Aryanna Will, Corey (Nikki) Will and great grandson Kyler Will, and Amanda (Josh) Lemon. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Carl Will and Vincent Will; and a grandson, Jamie Will.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.