Obituary of Richard E. Brookhaus

Richard E. “Dick” Brookhaus, age 93, longtime resident of Coralville died Sunday, December 18, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Richard Edwin Brookhaus was born March 1, 1929, in North Platte, Nebraska. He was the son of Richard E. (Sonny) and Eloise Brookhaus. Following graduation from North High School in 1947, he worked various jobs. He was drafted into the Army in 1952 during the Korean war. Although Dick was an expert marksman, upon arriving in Korea, the Army made him a medic. After Dick returned from Korea, he married Judith J. "Judy" Smith on July 12, 1953. Dick attended Drake University planning to become a Pharmacist. With the sudden arrival of their 1st child, Richard E., in 1954, the family moved to Spencer, IA where Dick worked as a Pharmacy Tech. While in Spencer, his daughter Jodie Marie and son James Craig were born. He became a member of the American Legion and the NRA while living in Spencer. Dick also enjoyed hunting. Dick started working for REA - Railroad Express Agency as a security guard. When he became a station manager, this job moved the family to a variety of homes in 3 states (IA, SD, CO). Dick and his family loved camping in Rocky Mountain National Park. In fact, Dick and Judy enjoyed taking the train to visit their family in CO and WA. They were even able to go to Germany to visit their daughter Jodie while she was serving in the Army. Dick's job eventually moved him to Iowa City. Dick left REA and began his career as a Police Officer for University of Iowa Department of Public Safety in 1971. Retiring from the University as Sergeant in 1991. The family moved into their 9th Avenue Coralville address during this time. Dick loved the game of baseball. He was a faithful fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He watched them all through their 2022 season. Dick managed baseball teams for the American Legion when he lived in Spencer. Dick played softball in Coralville well into his 60's. He was featured in a local newspaper for his long softball career. After retirement, Dick walked faithfully everyday. Many people who did not know Dick personally, became familiar with him by seeing him out on his walks. Some said they could set their watches by his schedule. His walks usually brought him to the Coralville Police Station where he would visit and volunteer his time. Dick lived on his own, in his own home, until July of 2022. He was able to live on his own for so long because of the loving care he received from his son, Jim, and friends Doug and Sarah Vance, Dan Roth and so many others who brought food and companionship into his home. At the end of July, he moved into Keystone Place at Forevergreen. Dick has 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Judy, his daughter Jodie, and grandson Jesse. He is survived by 2 sons, Rich and Jim, 5 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Please do not send flowers. The family would like you to send your donations to the Coralville Police Department, PO Box 5911, Coralville, IA 52241 We would also like to thank the caring staff at Keystone and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Memorial services will be held at 10 am, Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. To share a thought, memory or condolence with his family please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation website @ www.gayandciha.com.