Richard "Dick" Gearhart
Richard “Dick” E. Gearhart, 89 of Waukon passed away March 26, 2020 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Graveside services will be held at a later date in Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone. Condolences can be sent to Anna Gearhart, at 4511 Cornwall Drive NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is assisting the family with arrangements.
Richard “Dick” Edward Gearhart was born January 3, 1931 in Dubuque, the son of Glenn and Lois (Ruxton) Gearhart. He attended Nevada High School, graduating in 1949. Dick continued his education at Drake University graduating with a degree in History in 1953. He was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity and a member of Drake’s track and cross country teams. While at Drake, he met a beautiful Delta Gamma girl, Anna Sunstrom of Boone. The two married in 1952. Together they shared 68 years of marriage.
He served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1953-1955. Dick’s entire career revolved around education and athletics, beginning in Lamar, CO. At Lamar, he taught History, and coached football, basketball and track & field. As head coach he led Lamar to the 1962 boys state track championship title and a runner-up finish in the 1962 and 1964 boys state basketball championships.
Dick went on to receive his Master’s degree from Western State College in Gunnison, CO. Dick and Anna spent many years in Lamar, where all four children were born. In 1970, Dick and Anna returned home to Iowa where Dick served as Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Waukon High School. In recognition of his many years of promoting sportsmanship, competition and standards through athletics and his contribution to the youth of Iowa, Dick was inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Hall of Fame. Nevada High School also recognized Dick’s athletic achievements with an induction into its Hall of Fame. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Waukon, the Waukon Golf and Country Club and numerous organizations during his adult life.
Dick enjoyed officiating football and basketball, playing golf, fishing, and a good game of euchre. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family, friends and being a part of his grandchildren’s lives.
Left to cherish and honor his memory are his wife, Anna, of Waukon; his four children: Debbie (Steve) Roe of Blaine, WA, Kim (Joseph) Griffin of Rochester, MN, Mary (Brad) Campbell of Evergreen, CO and Steve “Moose” (Shelly) Gearhart of Cedar Falls. Dick is also survived by eight grandchildren, Ethan (Casey) Roe, Emily Roe, Jeremy Griffin, Kelly (Eric) Amundson, Morgan (John) Jobe, Mariah Campbell, Allie Gearhart and Seb Gearhart; two great-grandchildren, Lillian and Samuel Roe; a sister-in-law, Helen Gearhart of Atlantic; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jack Gearhart; and a niece, Michelle (Gearhart) Wells.
Honorary casketbearers are Dick’s grandchildren. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
