BOONE, Iowa—Richard “Dick” McWilliams was born in Elkader, Iowa, to Richard M. and Margaret (Jeffries) McWilliams, the second eldest of their five children (“irregardless” of what his sister claims). To his way of thinking, he lived longer than he thought he would, as his family has been hearing for at least the last ten years.
After graduating from Iowa State University, he joined the Peace Corps. He spent nearly three years in India with the service and enjoyed his time there, which spawned many stories over the years, as well as life-long friendships. Two of the most important things he brought home were the names of his daughters. He continued his education at Iowa State earning a Master’s degree in 1971.
In October, 1969, he was united in marriage to Julie, in Ames, Iowa. They moved to Spirit Lake in 1971 where he began a career as a Fisheries Research Biologist at the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery. After 21 years in Spirit Lake, he moved to Boone and took the position as a Fisheries Management Biologist at The Ledges State Park. At the time of his retirement from the DNR, he was one of five Certified Fish Scientists.
He had a great love of story telling and a very dry sense of humor. His family contends that his ability of wit and wise cracks was inherited from his mother and was successfully instilled in the next two generations as evidenced by his daughters and grandsons.
Dick passed away at Boone County Hospital on March 24, 2021, due to complications from metastasized lung cancer.
He is survived by his wife Julie; two daughters, Sara McWilliams, Kamala (Russ) Hartig; grandchildren, Alan and Richard “Rick” (Guin); sisters Cathy (Tom) Campagna and Ann (Jim) Moorman; brother James (Sharon) McWilliams; and many nieces and nephews.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Margaret McWilliams, and brother, Paul McWilliams.
“It is what it is. Whatever.” – Dick McWilliams
Services will be held at a later date when it is safe for all to travel and gather.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation – www.inhf.org
Iowa Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund: https://programs.iowadnr.gov/donations/
Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home in Boone is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.schroederfuneral.com
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