Obituary of Ira Robert "Bob" Richards

Ira Robert Richards (“Bob”), age 80, of Iowa City, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the University of Iowa Medical Center.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Bob’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow the service at Oakland Cemetery.

Bob was born on February 27, 1946, at Lutheran Hospital in Moline, Illinois, the son of Ira and Anna (Murphy) Richards. He grew up in Ottumwa, where he formed lifelong memories with family and friends. He graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1965 and soon after enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a Fire Protection Specialist stateside during the Vietnam War.

On September 13, 1969, Bob married Connie Sue Petz, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Williamsburg. Together, they built a warm, welcoming home and raised two children. They shared 55 years of marriage before Connie’s passing in May of 2025.

Bob was a caring and committed husband, father, brother, and friend. He spent 33 years working as a meter reader for Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Company (now MidAmerican Energy) providing for his family. While working full-time and raising his children, he attended night classes and earned his Associate of Arts degree from Kirkwood Community College in 1992—a reflection of his dedication and perseverance. He retired in 2003.

Bob will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature, his independence, and his quiet strength. He was not one to complain, choosing instead to take life as it came. He had a natural ability to fix just about anything and especially enjoyed working on cars. He found comfort in simple pleasures—spending time in his shop building computers, listening to music (especially Simon & Garfunkel), watching war and western movies, and keeping up with the world on Facebook. He followed the Iowa Hawkeyes and enjoyed watching the news. He also had his routines and favorite spots, often enjoying a meal from Culver’s or Burger King, content to sit in the parking lot, eat, and watch the cars go by.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Christine (Kelly) Farley of Aurora, Illinois; his son, Michael of Iowa City; his siblings, Sam Richards of Carlsbad, California, Jim (Molly) Richards of Ottumwa, Joe (Ruth) Richards of Ottumwa, Bill (Barbara) Richards of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Kathy (Ibrahim) AlSaeed of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; many brother and sister-in-laws; many nieces and nephews; and his grandpuppy, Cooper.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Connie; his parents; his grandchildren, Katie Farley and Noah Farley; his brother, Donald Mumma; his sister, Janet Richards; and his grandpuppy, Buddy.

Though Bob’s absence leaves a deep void, his love, gentle spirit, and steady, quiet presence will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Ira Richards Memorial Fund and mailed to Gay & Ciha Funeral Home, c/o Ira Richards, 2720 Muscatine Avenue, Iowa City, Iowa 52245, or given directly to the family.