Obituary of Richard M. Villhauer

Richard M. “Dick” Villhauer, age 83 lifelong resident and businessman of Iowa City died suddenly at his home Monday, November 15, 2021. A time of visitation will be from 1 to 4pm Sunday, November 21, 2021, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service with Masonic Memorial Rites to begin at 4pm and Military Honors to follow. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established to support cause important to Dick. To share a thought, memory or condolence with his family please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com. Richard Max Villhauer was born July 24, 1938, in Iowa City the son of Carl and Elouise (Achey) Villhauer. He was united in marriage on December 19, 2002, to Kathy Kramer from New London in Iowa City, Ia. Attending Iowa City schools, he graduated with class of 1957 from City High School. Soon after that he enlisted in the United States Navy serving one enlistment during the Korean Conflict. Returning to Iowa City he worked at a local gas station until one day Mr. Shay asked him if he wanted to become an electrician. He did and he started a long career first with Shay Electric, then opened his own business, Town & Country Electric, later worked for DeWitt Electric and Evan Matthews Construction. In retirement he was asked to be the friendly smile in every aisle at the First Avenue HyVee in Iowa City. A smart move by the management at HyVee as Dick knew almost everyone in Iowa City and everyone knew Dick and his smile. Dick (referred to by many as “Dickie Bird”) was involved with much over the years and enjoyed his time with others in these organizations having served as an officer in many. He was a member of the Johnson County I Club, Quarterback Club, former KAABA Shrine past president, Iowa City Masonic Lodge Clarkville Lodge 668, Scottish and Yorkrite Lodges, and the Homebuilders Association. He worked as a volunteer at the 4-H Johnson County Fair for years, He was Mr. Social, give the shirt off his back, never met a stranger type of guy. Would drive to various building sites put on his hard hat which he always had close by and walk the building site as if he was the general contractor, talking with the workers. He simply loved people and they loved him. Even was the Villhauer Santa Claus for many years, often sharing this with various organizations around town spreading smiles wherever he went! His family includes his wife, Kathy; daughter, Sally Fisher (Brad); grandchildren, Stephanie Glass (Allen), Morgan Fisher, Ambrose Coffman and Ella Coffman; great-grandsons, Will and Wesley Glass; Siblings, Jerry Villhauer (Sharon), Jean Aikin (Rich), and Margey Upson; Sisters-in-law, Joyce Villhauer and Vicky Schuttler (Walt), and numerous extended family and friends. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Susie Coffman; twin brother, Jim who died 25 years to the day of Dick; and a brother-in-law, Dan Kramer.