Obituary of Richard Wyciskalla

Richard D. “Dick” Wyciskalla, 86, of Iowa City, died Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at home under the compassionate care of Hospice. Richard Daniel Wyciskalla was born February 27, 1934, in Scheller, Illinois the son of Anselm and Eugenia (Ziarnek) Wyciskalla. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army serving his country during the Korean Conflict. Upon returning from service he enrolled in college receiving a degree in agriculture from the University of Southern Illinois and also attended the University of Illinois. On April 27, 1968, he married Shirley A. Hurlbut in Conifer, Colorado. The couple found their way to the Iowa City area starting a family where Dick was a farmer and carpenter by trade, working for himself. Dick enjoyed the outdoors, exploring ghost towns, Civil War history, camping, fishing, hiking and traveling with his family. He would enjoy taking the roads less traveled and exploring on many of these family trip, confusing his family but always leading to some obscure sight not found on maps. In his retirement he worked for Petland for over 10 years with one of his favorite jobs was to take small animals to area elementary schools for pet days! He also enjoyed making candles and jewelry and taking them to area markets in his retirement. His family includes his wife, Shirley; sons, Rick Fagan (Julie), Rob Fagen, Andrew Wyciskalla (Lena); and John Wyciskalla (Ann); a brother, George Wyciskalla (Rita) and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Henry “Hank” Wyciskalla. A very special thank you to all the healthcare staff at UHIC and Iowa City Hospice. Graveside services will be held at 2pm Friday, July 3, 2020, at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa City. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in his memory to Iowa City Hospice. To share a thought, memory or condolence with his family please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Services is caring for Dick’s family and his services.