Obituary of Richard Louis DeGowin

On November 24, 2021 Richard DeGowin passed away peacefully with his wishes intact to go out his way. Husband, Father and Grandfather he was content on a life well lived. Richard was born on May 14, 1934 to Laura and Elmer DeGowin in Iowa City, Iowa. He grew up in this All-American city and went on to explore the world of academic medicine starting in Ann Arbor, Michigan for his premedical studies, then on to Chicago, Illinois finishing with a medical degree. After discharge from two years active duty in the US Army Medical Corps, he accepted a position at the University of Chicago and subsequently came home to University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics where he joined his father on the faculty. His career was filled with compassion for his patients through diligent research, care, and the promise of a better future for all. In 1957 he married his blind date Janice Karen Piper with whom he shared a beautiful marriage for 59 years. The two of them were inseparable and enjoyed all that life had to offer. Richard had a passion for people, history, and nature. He read many biographies in his life and loved American History, but maybe his greatest love was The Driftless Area of Northeastern Iowa, Southwestern Wisconsin, and Southeastern Minnesota. He wanted to teach and learn from others by writing. He loved to write letters to any and all that he thought would benefit from his correspondence. As an accomplished author of a medical textbook with his father he wanted more and attended a class at the famed Iowa Writers Workshop to broaden his knowledge. He went on to write books about his passions and his love for medicine to encourage future generations to enter the field. Richard will be missed by those that he touched and truly wanted the best for all. Richard was preceded in death by his wife Janice Karen DeGowin. He is survived by his sons, Robert DeGowin (California), Willard DeGowin (Madison, Wisconsin), daughter-in law Carrie DeGowin, grandson Thomas Vermeulen, and granddaughter Emily Vermeulen. The family is grateful for the care that he received from UIHC, Oaknoll, and Iowa City Hospice. These institutions have remarkable people who show compassion above and beyond through the excellent care they perform day in and day out. Please send all condolences through Gay &Ciha Funeral Home in Iowa City, IA and if you would like to make a donation in memory of Richard please contact the Allamakee County Conservation Board or the Oaknoll Foundation. No funeral arrangements have been made at this time. To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.