"So sorry for your loss. He was a great friend. He did lots of special things for me and my family. He always had a smile for everyone. Heaven is fortunate to have a wonderful person like Rick. Your family has my deepest sympathy."
In loving memory of
Richard 'Rick' Crooks
April 28, 1954 - January 1, 2021
RICHARD CROOKS
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Richard Lee 'Rick' Crooks, 66, of Muscatine, passed away on Friday, January 1, 2021, at Lutheran Living.
A celebration of life honoring Rick Crooks will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021, from
noon to 3pm at the Letts Community Center in Letts, Iowa. Lunch will be provided with
a short service @ 12:45pm. Everyone will be encouraged to share their favorite memory
or story of Rick. The family requests masks be worn, except while eating. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made in Rick's honor to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or Zion Lutheran Church. Online Condolences: www. wittichfuneralhome.com.
Rick was born on April 28, 1954, in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of Stanley and Janice Thoureen Crooks. He married Mary Townsend and they later divorced. Rick married Marcia R. Werner in December of 2013 in Conesville, Iowa.
He worked as a florist and for the Masons. Rick went back to school and received his master's degree in social work. He also worked as the pastor of Grace United Church of Christ in Conesville for 23 years.
Rick was very involved in pageants. He always had a smile and was very diplomatic. Rick never knew a stranger. He was very friendly to all with his positive comments and attitude.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Marcia; two children, Andrew Crooks of China and Melinda Dobrowolski and her husband, John, of Canada and their children Ruth and Lilith; his mother, Janice; and six siblings, Pam Elwell and her husband, Dennis, of Florida, Twyla Hartman and her significant other, Bob Watson, of Florida, Melanie Hinman and her husband, Denny, of Iowa, Torina Hill and her husband, Brent, of Iowa, Ginette Anderson and her husband, Perry, of Iowa, and Stan Crooks and his wife, Vangie, of Florida.
He is preceded in death by his father, Stanley; and his half-brother Howard 'Howie' Crooks.
Tributes
"Rick gave the Zion Lutheran Church choir strength from his presence and determination to be a contributing member despite the challenges he faced from Parkinson?s. We will miss his warm, personable manner and his witty humor. Marsha, we will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Dave and Gail "
"Our deepest sympathies. PD meetings will not be the same without Rick. Lorraine & Jerry Geoghegan"
"I?m keeping Rick and all his family in my thoughts and special intentions. He was one of the kindest gentlemen I?ve ever been privileged to know. His joyful personality lit up rooms as his wit and sense of humor drew you to him. He will be lovingly remembered by so many. "
"Sending condolences to Jan and the Crooks family. Rick was a very talented actor and singer, just a wonderful presence. He will be missed by all who knew him. Jack and Michele Plogh"
"So sorry for your loss. Mike and Tammy Whitmer"
"A Few of My Dad?s Talents: Singing in barber shop quartets or solo in front of hundreds of people, starting a 2 mile run on starting blocks, fitting 30 full sized Christmas trees into one house, predicting winners of pageants, flower arrangements, eating snacks (particularly peanut m&ms), taking us kids in the car to look at Christmas lights and teach us every lyric to every Christmas song ever, making award winning pies in the Muscatine county fair, bringing the cottage cheese, tormenting his sisters as they prepared thanksgiving dinner, harmonizing at the end of singing happy birthday.. giving moving sermons at church, leading prayers, officiating weddings, giving comfort at to friends and family at funerals, and bringing people together with his glowing smile. I will miss you, dad. I love you. You made the world a brighter place. "
"Some of my favorite memories growing up in Wilton included Rick and MYF. A great man who touched many lives. Deepest sympathy to his family."
"We love you, Rick! You have a kind and caring soul. Thanks for all the smiles?-and the wonderful pie. Peace be with you. Pastor Steve+"
"May memories comfort your grieving hearts. Rick ministered and loved all. Dyann and Dave Roby "
"My dearest friend. So many laughs, so many smiles, so many moments. I will miss you Rick, especially on our birthday. Marcia, my heart goes out to you, and the rest of the family. ????"
"He was my mother's best friend from way back in college, and was a big part of my childhood. His family is a big part of my family. He was my God Father and he baptized my son Samuel. His singing would always bring a smile to everyone's face. His own smile was infectious. He was a great man and we will always think of him with Joy. Never sadness."
"So sorry for your loss. My prayers to the family. Mary Taylor Daufeldt "