Dick Blake

Dick Blake, 94, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed peacefully at Westwing Place, DeWitt, early Monday morning, March 20, 2017.

Richard Lloyd Blake was born October 30, 1922, in rural Des Moines County to Martin Leo and Anna Mae (Martin) Blake. He graduated from Mediapolis High School in 1940 and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1941, serving in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. After his honorable discharge in 1947, Dick joined his father and brother in the Blake Sales & Service John Deere Dealership in Clarence.  He was united in marriage to Shirley May Sheldon on September 25, 1949, at the Methodist Church in Clarence.   Dick spent his career as a parts specialist at a variety of John Deere dealerships, Rasmussen Chevrolet, and D & D Chevrolet, before his retirement as manager of Sieg Company in DeWitt in 1987.

He was a member of the DeWitt United Methodist Church and a past member of the Loyal Order of Moose, the Isaac Walton League, and the American Legion. Dick enjoyed family camping, pitching horseshoes, playing cards, and trips to the casino with his wife during their retirement years.

Surviving are his wife, Shirley; daughters, Clista Blake Fischer of Houston, Texas and Sandra (Alan) Pflughoeft of Ellsworth, Kansas; grandchildren, Martin Fischer of Seattle, Washington, Tricia (Rob) Edgington of Moorpark, California, and Tiara Pflughoeft of Moundridge, Kansas; great-granddaughters, Karlee Hedin and Isabele Weber; sisters, Margery Blake Curtis and Barbara Blake Shriver;  a sister-in-law, Betty (Martin) Blake as well as many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Dick in death were his parents; siblings, Betty Blake Streed, Howard Leo Blake, Dorothy Blake Tudor, Maxine Blake Ruther, and Martin "Pat" Blake;  brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law; nieces and nephews.

Mr. Blake donated his body for scientific research at the University of Iowa, Iowa City.  As Dick was a private person, a private Celebration of Life Service will be held at the United Methodist Church, DeWitt.    Memorials may be made to the activities department at Westwing Place in DeWitt.  

Expressions of care and condolence are welcomed to be sent to the family at the residence.  

A photo tribute may be viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt.