Obituary of Rick E. Pitkin

Rick E. Pitkin, 62, of Oxford, died peacefully Saturday, December 29, 2012, surrounded by his family. A time of gathering for family and friends will be held 3-6 p.m., Wednesday, January 2, 2013, at the Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Memorial contributions in Rick's name can be made to the American Heart Association or the Rick Pitkin Memorial Fund which will be used for a memorial in his name at F.W. Kent Park where his family spent much of their time. Online condolences can be sent to his family through the web @www.gayandciha.com. Rick was born July 20, 1950, in Mason City, Iowa; son of Francis "Sonny" and Iris (Steinfeldt) Pitkin. After high school Rick served four years in the U.S. Navy spending time on the aircraft carrier, USS Shangri-La. A few years later, on November 15, 1979, he married the love of his life, Sherri McIntire. Rick was a hard worker and often held multiple jobs at a time – alongside his career at the VA Hospital in Iowa City he'd work construction, landscaping and various other positions. If Rick was outdoors, he was in his element. An avid hunter, fisherman, camper, master grillman and gardener; anytime outside was a good time. If he had to be inside, he enjoyed having Texas Hold'em tournaments and sharing his talent and love of cooking with the family he so cherished. Rick was a huge fan of his children, Matthew and Ashley and absolutely adored his three grandchildren. His family includes his wife, Sherri; children, Matthew Pitkin (Jennifer) of Ames and Ashley Klopfenstein (Vince) of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Casen, Ava and Jon; mother, Iris; and siblings, Debbie Parkis, Denise Bledsoe, Lisa Griffin, Rand Pitkin, Scott Pitkin, Susan Glessner and Stacey Ott. Rick was preceded in death by his father.