Obituary of Richard G. Bachelder

Richard G. Bachelder, long-time owner of Larew Company, Inc., passed away December 15, 2021 in Iowa City. He was 82 years old. Richard’s family have scheduled a funeral Mass on Wednesday, December 29th, at 11 am, at St. Wenceslaus Church (618 E. Davenport St., Iowa City). Visitation will be held from 9-11 am, also at the Church. Richard will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Linn County. Richard was born on March 26, 1939 in Clinton, IA. He, along with his parents Glenn and Margie (Dolak) Bachelder and two brothers, moved to California and Utah throughout Richard’s childhood before settling in Belle Plaine, IA in 1953. In high school, Richard had his eye on one particular girl and asked her friend if he could walk her home from a high school dance. Richard did indeed take Barbara home that night, and they dated the remainder of their high school years. When meeting with Fr. Flynn at the local church, telling him they wanted to get married, his response was “Well, it’s about time!” They were married in St. Michaels Catholic Church on May 17, 1958. Richard and Barbara began their lives together in Belle Plaine with their three children until moving to Cedar Rapids in 1971. He was an avid pilot and would find any excuse to fly – like taking his daughter to Decorah for a hair appointment. One of the highlights of his later life was taking a ride in a WW2 B17 Bomber. He also loved trains, with many vacations including side trips to check out various trains. Richard worked as a plumber with his father in the early years of his career. He went on to be the Apprenticeship Coordinator at Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 125 in Cedar Rapids before buying Larew Company - a plumbing, heating and air conditioning business, and moving he and Barb to Iowa City. One of the advantages of owning his own business was getting to work with both sons and later both grandsons, giving them the start in their careers. He was a proud businessman and well known in the industry. Richard loved woodworking and had transformed his garage into “The Shop”. He was incredibly talented, and made beautiful furniture for his home and his family. Every one of his children and grandchildren have at least one item that was made by “Gpa”. One of his proudest moments was working in the woodshop with his oldest grandson and teaching him the craft while listening to the polka party on the radio. He was also especially proud of making little toot tugboat pull toys and train riding toys for his great grandchildren. Richard was a family man at heart. His wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren gave him so much joy in life. Some of the fondest memories of him include officiating the marriage of one of his granddaughters, the absolute bliss on his face when holding a new baby, wearing his chef hat while making loaves of delicious bread and the most AMAZING chocolate chip cookies EVER, making the rounds calling all of the granddaughters to chat, and playing his banjo with the grandkids (and later the great grandkids) while singing the “Kitty Cat” song. Richard and Barbara kept in touch with their high school friends throughout the years. He joked about the monthly meet-ups in Tama, calling them his “crony meetings”. His loyalty and humor were with him his entire life. Richard’s personality and quirks will continue to live on through his family. His great grandsons have his bright blue eyes and cross their skinny legs just like their “Ggpa”, his great granddaughters have his big, infectious smile, and his goofy personality lives on through his granddaughters and their endless charades. His love for his family will continue to shine as he taught us all the importance of family. Richard’s family includes his beloved wife of 63 years, Barbara; children, Cathy Bolson, Rick (Konnie) Bachelder and John Bachelder; grandchildren, Aaron Bolson, Tara (Nate) Rucker, Katie (Nate) Lyon, Brooke (Justin) Feinstein and Ben Bachelder; great-grandchildren, Boedi Rucker, Anders Rucker, Emmett Lyon, Lucy Lyon, Elliott Feinstein and Lilly Feinstein; brother, Jim (Shirley) Bachelder. Sadly, Richard is preceded in death by his brother David Bachelder; and parents, Glenn and Margie. Please continue to keep Richard’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.