Richard John Ganzer

Richard J. Ganzer, 77, of Spragueville, Iowa, passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 12, 2012, as a result of a tragic farming accident. A celebration of Richard's life will be held at 2 P.M., Sunday, April 15, 2012, from the Salem Lutheran Church in Andrew, Iowa. A gathering of family and friends will be held immediately following the celebration of life service at the Eagles Club in Maquoketa. A private family visitation was held and cremation has taken place. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family. Richard John Ganzer was born on March 31, 1935 in rural Spragueville, Iowa, son of Carl, Sr. and Wilhemina (Wagner) Ganzer. He was wed to Karen Flagel on April 17, 1960 in Andrew, Iowa. Richard attended the North Bend Country School for his elementary education and graduated from Preston High School. He was a member of the Salem Lutheran Church where he was both baptized and confirmed. After serving in the U.S. Army Reserves, Richard first worked at Clinton Corn Processing for a number of years, then at Caterpillar, and finally at Alcoa; all the while tending to his small farming operation near Spragueville. Upon retirement he became ...[more]

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oted to many historic preservation projects and was generous with his time, talent and resources. Some of the organizations that benefited from his involvement were the North Bend Community Center, Jackson County Historical Society, Hurstville Interpretive Center, Clinton Engines Historical Museum and the Bluff Mills Bridge Preservation Organization. Richard was just never one to sit around. He enjoyed many hobbies and pastimes including antiquing, stock car races, traveling, auctions and collecting, tinkering and woodworking, to name just a few. Those left to honor his memory and who will miss him dearly include his wife, Karen of Spragueville; a daughter, Theresa (Jim) Blitgen of Bellevue; 3 sons, Brian Ganzer of Preston, Bruce (Jenni) Ganzer of Johnston, IA, and Steven Ganzer of Rockford, IL; 4 grandchildren, Stefani, Mitchell, Kara and Grant Ganzer; a brother, Carl, Jr. (Judy) Ganzer of Maquoketa; 2 sisters, Arlene Daniels of Green Island and Betty Paulson of Davenport; a sister-in-law, Wanda Lee (Stamp) Ganzer of Spragueville; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Allen and Paul, and a sister, Frieda. Those wishing to give a memorial in honor of Richard may do so to one of his favorite charities: Salem Lutheran Church, the North Bend Community Center or the Jackson County Historical Society. Online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.