Obituaries 7 October 2023

Richard 'Dick' Stephen Recker, 92

New Hampton Tribune and Nashua Reporter - Staff Photo - Create Article

Richard “Dick” Stephen Recker of New Hampton died at age 92 on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, at Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton with Father Jim Goerend celebrating the Mass.

Friends may greet the family at the church from 10 a.m. to noon prior to the service.

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton. Friends are invited to join the family at Poor Richards Pizza Kitchen following the service.

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home and Crematory in New Hampton has been entrusted with services. Online condolences for the Recker family may be left at www.hugebackfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Oldorft Hospice House in Cedar Rapids.

Dick was born on Jan. 30, 1931, in New Hampton. Dick was the son of Frank and Celeste (Underkofler) Recker.

Dick graduated from New Hampton High School in 1949 and enrolled at Notre Dame University (go Irish!).

He left Notre Dame to join the Air Force, serving during the Korean War. In his time in the service he was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

After the service, he returned to Notre Dame and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in commerce.

After graduation Dick went to work for IDS financial services as a broker in Chicago. Soon after he began following the horse racing circuit as a jockey’s agent and horse racing secretary.

During this time he began dating Margaret (Peg) Huffman. Dick and Peg were married on September 22, 1979 and were blessed with their daughter,  Monica, in 1983. They made their home in New Hampton and purchased Poor Richards Pizza Kitchen, which Dick owned and operated until he retired in 2007.

Dick enjoyed golfing and was a member at the New Hampton Golf and Country Club. He also was an avid supporter of Notre Dame football and enjoyed watching games and cussing at the TV.

One of Dick’s many passions was food, and not just pizza. As many know, he always had a fridge and countertop full of snacks. This reigned true throughout his final days.

Dick will be remembered for his social nature and was always outgoing and vibrant with all – family, friends, and customers. Whether he was delivering pizzas in the Jeep or cruising in his Cadillac, all those who knew him will miss his sing-song voice as he went by.

He was survived by his daughter, Monica (Nick) Edwards of Solon; his brother, Father Phil Recker of Dubuque; his brother-in-law, Dan (Sue) Huffman of New Hampton; his sisters-in law, Pat (Dennis) Ruffridge of Cresco and Donna (Mike) Huffman of Cedar Falls; longtime family friends, Susan Gates of North Liberty, John (Mary) Gates of Cedar Rapids, Lisa (Rob) Wilson of Marion, and Kim (Lynn) Hopp of New Hampton; along with several nieces and nephews and grand-friends.

Dick was proceeded in death by his parents; his wife; his mother and father-in law, Raymond and Rosemary Huffman; brothers-in-law, Mark Huffman, Mike Huffman, John Huffman and Dan Schwickerath; and longtime family friends, Dale and Mona Gates, Elaine (Peony) Gates and Karen Erion.

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