Obituary of Richard Earl VanScoy

Dr Richard (Rick) Earl VanScoy was born October 17, 1956, in Fort Dodge IA to Mary E (Ridge) & Earl J VanScoy of Rockwell City IA. Rick entered eternal life on November 22, 2022, at age 66 at Legacy Gardens of Iowa City IA. Rick was surrounded by his family, while “Amazing Grace” played softly. The family later moved to Tipton IA before settling in Glidden IA. Rick graduated from Glidden-Ralston in 1975 and had enlisted in the US Army in 1974. After Basic Training, Rick was shipped to the east coast to await his flight to Vietnam. The Army held them there on-alert and the Vietnam war ended a few days later. Rick was stationed at Fort Carson, CO. July 26, 1975, Rick married Pam Ayers; they later divorced. When Rick returned home from the Army, he joined the Iowa National Guard and served for 9 years. Rick married Mary Ellen Wiederin on May 14, 1982. In 1985, Rick graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, and coaching certifications. Rick taught History, Physical Educ, and Special Educ at several central Iowa schools. Rick would say he “coached everything with a ball except golf”, but his passion was Cross Country or Track. Rick received “Coach of the Year” Awards in Softball, Basketball, Track and Cross Country. He found delight in watching his students and athletes find their way to success. Rick loved running himself, competing in many Road Races and Marathons. Over 31 years ago, Rick turned to AA and began his lifelong journey to become closer to God. Rick served as an AA Sponsor for many members, friends, and family. In 2003, Rick went back to school for his Master’s Degree, and later his Doctorate, both in Theology, both from Universal Ministries School of Theology. He has performed several weddings, baptisms, and funerals for friends and family. Most of all Rick was so very proud of his family and loved spending as much time as he could with them—always teasing, laughing, and squeezing the kids and grandkids. He enjoyed going to their activities, playing games of every kind, and just hanging out with them. Rick loved the annual VanScoy Reunion Croquet Championship. Rick is survived by his wife of 40 Years, Mary Ellen VanScoy; a son, Chris (Abby) VanScoy (Tipton); and a daughter, Carrie (Reese) Reimers (Iowa City); a grandson, Elliot Cummins (Iowa City), and a granddaughter, Gwen VanScoy (Tipton). Rick is also survived by his mother-in-law, Betty Wiederin (Glidden); a sister, Jo (Greg) Irvin (Belle Plaine); two brothers, Ron VanScoy (Glidden) and Bob (Sue) VanScoy (Grimes); three sisters-in-law, Becky (Duane) Sloth (Audubon), Cheryl (Kevin) Kramer (Glidden), Pam (Duane) Owen (Glidden); three brothers-in-law, Terry (Sharon) Wiederin (Algona), Ron (Wendy) Wiederin (Montrose CO), Ted Wiederin (Glidden); and numerous Nieces & Nephews, Great Nieces & Nephews, Aunts & Uncles, and Cousins. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Earl & Mary VanScoy; father-in-law, Merle Wiederin; Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles, and a Nephew Brad Gottschalk. In Lieu of flowers, please donate to the “Alzheimer’s Association” or “Iowa City Hospice”. There will be a “Celebration of Life” on Friday, December 9, 2022, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at the Gay & Ciha Funeral Home in Iowa City. We will have a speaker at 5:00, then a time for open sharing. To share a thought, memory or condolence, visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.