BOONE, Iowa—Richard “Dick” McKay, age 75 of Boone, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 19, 2023.
Richard Michael McKay was born on December 3, 1947 in Sioux Falls, SD, the son of Duane and Buelah (Bellack) McKay. He graduated from Canistota High School in 1965 and received an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Nettleton Commercial College.
Dick was united in marriage with Sherry L. Jerman on December 9, 1966 in Canistota, SD.
Dick was drafted into the U.S. Army on August 2, 1967. He served in the Vietnam War, earning the Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal and a Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged on August 1, 1969. Later in life, Dick was proud to have served his country, attended a Freedom Flight to Washington DC, and enjoyed sharing stories with family and friends.
Following Dick’s discharge from the Army, he and Sherry moved to Boone, IA. Dick began working for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad in the Fall of 1969. He was a Budget Officer, Conductor and an Engineer while working for the CNW and UP for 39 years. Dick retired on July 3, 2008.
Dick loved to join fellow railroaders for coffee and stories on Tuesday mornings, attend DMACC sporting events with friends and Iowa State sporting events with his grandchildren. Dick made an annual pheasant hunting trip in South Dakota with friends and family that was a focal point of the year. Grandpa Mac was the biggest supporter to his grandkids, rarely missing an event. Dick loved his family fiercely (that includes the grand-dogs) and he knew no strangers; He was a selfless man with a servant’s heart.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Bob and Gene McKay. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sherry; son, Brad (Sara) McKay of Urbandale; daughter, Angie (Jason) Stratton of Grimes; grandchildren, Evan and Grady Degeneffe, Madelyn Stratton, Aidan and Luke McKay; sister, Deb (Bob) Kleinsasser; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone. Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel. Burial will be in Linwood Park Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be directed to the family for a paver at the Boone County Freedom Rock Memorial.
Online condolences may be left at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com.
Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets is in charge of arrangements.
