Richard Summers

Richard (Dick) L. Summers Dick, 89, of Fort Dodge, passed away at home on May 30, 2021 after a brief illness. His surviving children, Michele (Shelley) Summers of Portland, OR, Paul of Gilmore City, Mark of San Jose, CA, and Matthew of Fort Dodge, were Dick's top priorities. They will miss him beyond measure. Dick is also survived by five grandchildren, six great grandchildren and close cousin George Summers of Columbus, GA. Preceding him in death are his daughter Theresa (Terri) Heddinger, Fitzgerald, Holtschlag, son Michael and Joan, his beloved wife of 64 years. Born in a hospital in Fort Dodge on July 12, 1931 to Walter and Dorothy (Chalstrom) Summers of Coalville. Brothers Clifford and David arrived later; all are now deceased. Graduating Otho High School in 1950, Dick joined the Marines and was stationed in Oceanside, California. In 1952, Dick and Joan (Hollister) were married in Oceanside and soon returned home to Fort Dodge where Dick joined the Fort Dodge Fire Department in 1957, retiring in 1991. Dick and Joan ran Summers Construction for decades until retiring in 2000. Dick built the family homes from 1958 to 2000, with the "Pink House" built in the 60's outfitted with an ice-skating rink, double playhouse, zipline and much more to keep the six children entertained. In the 1970's Dick proudly took his family to Europe to visit daughter Michele and her family who were stationed in Germany at the time. In his mid-80's Dick learned to cook and bake to perfection. Among his many talents were carpentry, water skiing, traveling, and gardening. Friends who received his generous garden largess will miss him as well. Born during the depression, he endured tough times. Dick passed leaving a rich legacy for those he loved and inspired.