Richard Raymond Book passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the age of 84 on February 19, 2023.
Rich was born on December 29, 1938, in Harlan, Iowa to Leo and Leora Book. He excelled in basketball and track in high school, while balancing daily chores on the family farm. Rich attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and served in the U.S Army, where he was honorably discharged. Rich settled in Marne, Iowa where he farmed for more than 60 years. Farming was a life-long passion and source of great accomplishment. In fact, in 2022, at the tender age of 83, he helped with the planting of his 1,000+ acres of farmland.
Rich was accomplished and had a tremendous work ethic. In addition to his farm in Iowa, he successfully owned and operated Roto-Rooter franchises in both Colorado Springs and Pueblo, Colorado, alongside his wife Lois, for more than 30 years. The remarkable thing was that Rich ran the Roto-Rooter franchises while continuing to farm in Iowa, which was a testament to his unmatched work ethic.
Rich was accomplished and had a tremendous work ethic. In addition to his farm in Iowa, he successfully owned and operated Roto-Rooter franchises in both Colorado Springs and Pueblo, Colorado, alongside his wife Lois, for more than 30 years. The remarkable thing was that Rich ran the Roto-Rooter franchises while continuing to farm in Iowa, which was a testament to his unmatched work ethic.
Rich was a good friend to many, always willing to provide a helping hand. Rich’s first love, though, was his family and loved spending time with them, particularly during the summer and the holiday season. Rich constantly showed his family that there was not anything he would not do for them. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years who he truly adored, Lois (Blum) Book; his three children, Dave Book of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Dina Tilgner of Omaha, Nebraska and Dan (Aubree) Book of Danville, California; eight grandchildren, Jade, Richard Leo, Breanna, Brittani, Drew, Matthew, Deylen, Maryn; five great-grandchildren; sister Yvonne (Delbert) Bruck of Harlan, Iowa, brother Robert (Janice) of Atlantic, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Leora Book, and his sister Helen Schleimer.
He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Leora Book, and his sister Helen Schleimer.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that remembrances be made in forms of donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. www.stjude.org
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, March 10th at 11:00 AM at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan. Visitation will be Thursday, March 9th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan. Burial will be at the Harlan Cemetery. The Pauley Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
