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Richard A. "Dick" Learned, 90, passed away, Friday, September 4, 2026, at Friendship Haven. He donated his body to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program.
A come-and-go celebration of life and visitation with a light meal will be held on (PLEASE NOTE DATE) Saturday, October 17, 2026, at United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Gowrie from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Laufersweiler Palmer & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Richard was born on September 15, 1935, in a farmhouse in Sandy Pond, NY to Edgar and Matilda (Harms) Learned. "Little Dickie" was the youngest of six children. He lived in several towns, calling Syracuse, NY his home. He joined the US Marine Corps Reserve in 1952, moving to active duty in 1956, where he was stationed in Hawaii for two years. During this time, his company was enlisted to be extras in the movie "South Pacific." Dick was especially excited to meet Mitzi Gaynor. In 1958, he met and married his long-time pen pal, Kay Otto, and the couple established their home in Gowrie. They were together for 61 years until Kay's passing in 2020.
Also preceding Dick in death are his parents, Edgar and Matilda Learned; siblings, Doris, Bettie, Edgar, Howard, and Robert.
Dick is survived by his children, Crystal (Mike) Wilks of Gowrie, Cathy (Rick) Miller of Gowrie, Caryl (Dean) Cleveland of Badger, Carrie (Bergan) Dalley of Gowrie, Charles Learned of Fort Dodge; 12 grandchildren, Tanner, Bryant, Emily, Nick, Tyler, Kyle, Skyler, Heather, Abby, Jameric, Nina, and Izzy; 12 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Judy Allgood, and his beloved cat, Socks.
Memorials may be left to The Shriners Hospitals for Children.