Richard Duane Fichter, age 81, from Missouri Valley, passed away on Jan. 26, 2025, in Missouri Valley. He was born on April 19, 1943, in Oakland, to Jay and Marguerite Fichter. Richard met the love of his life, Susan (Sue) Kahl, on a blind date and they were married on June 2, 1962, beginning a sixty-two-year journey together. They raised a daughter and son in rural Missouri Valley.
Dick started his career as a Tool and Die Machinist in Omaha, Neb. Several years later he started his drywall career working for Gene Achenbaugh in Council Bluffs. Shortly after that he started his own business in Missouri Valley known as Val-Air Drywall Services, which he retired from in 2005. Over the years his son joined him as part of the family business.
Aside from the drywall business, Dick and Sue enjoyed traveling, snow skiing, motorcycling, water skiing, square dancing, and many Saturday night dinners with lifelong friends. Some of their most memorable times included family trips to Lake of the Ozarks which eventually led them to purchasing a home on the lake after retiring. Many great memories were made there with friends and family, including the grandkids fishing and spending time on the lake.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lloyd; sister, Macyl; and sister-in-law, Lois.
He is survived by his wife, Sue; daughter, Cheryl (Jeff) Smithson; son, Daryl (Dawn) Fichter; grandchildren, Janelle Smithson, Dylan Smithson, Riley Fichter, Alec Fichter, and Nikayla Fichter.
Services were conducted on Jan. 31, 2025, at the Missouri Valley Christian Church.
Arrangements made by Hennessey Funeral Home. Online Condolences, www.hennesseyonline.com.
