Obituary of Richard Burns Wallace

Richard Burns "Rich" Wallace, 44, North Liberty, IA, died peacefully on December 6, 2023, in Iowa City, IA. Rich was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Michael Wallace, his mother, Suzanne Marie Brown Wallace, and his sister Elizabeth Clark Wallace.  He is survived by his former wife, Darlene Kukura Wallace, his sons, William “Liam” Wallace and Colin Wallace,  and a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as his cat, Koda, aka Mr. Scratchy.

Rich was born January 22, 1979, in Spokane, WA, and spent part of his childhood there as well as in Athens and Covington, GA, and Pella, IA. He returned to Spokane during his high school years and lived there with his father. He later moved to Pella, IA, where he studied computer science at Central College from 1999 to 2002, and subsequently pursued a Culinary Arts Diploma at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, IA. 

In 2008, Rich married Darlene Kukura of Shamong, NJ, and they lived in Spokane, WA, where their son Liam was born in 2009. Eventually, they moved to Raleigh, NC, where their son Colin was born in 2013. While in Raleigh, Rich opened his own Window Genie franchise and later ran his own home maintenance company. In 2021, Rich returned to Iowa, this time to North Liberty, where he was working towards a management position with a local franchise at the time of his death.

Rich was well-liked by his neighbors and coworkers. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by those who loved him as a loyal friend, an inveterate but affectionate teaser, and an imaginative raconteur with a tender heart. He enjoyed cooking, camping, computer games, and pool, pastimes which he enjoyed sharing with his father, sister, and especially with his sons, who were always his greatest love. 

Rich was cremated and a private family service will be held at a later date.  Contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of one's choice.