Richard “Rich” Fredrick Schmauss, 77, of Cresco, Iowa passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital on Tuesday, August 25, 2020.  

Richard was born on September 22, 1942 in Cresco, Iowa to Francis and Bernice (O’Brien) Schmauss.  He attended Cresco High School and graduated in 1960, which was the last year of the Cresco Spartans.  During his time at high school, Richard was part of the 1960 State Champion wrestling team.  He was the 95 pound state champ. 

Following high school he worked for Art Peckham and also in Waterloo for John Deere for a short time.  Rich also enlisted in Army Reserves in 1964.  He then returned to Cresco working for Ray’s Body Shop, then later went on his own and started Rich’s Body Shop.  He ran his business for many years until his retirement. 

Richard married Roylene Maronde in 1965 and were together for 21 years.  To this union two children were born, Darin and Richelle.  They later divorced.   

Rich enjoyed bowling, golfing, hunting, and proudly served his community as a volunteer for the Cresco Fire Department for 20 years (1973-1993). He also enjoyed spending time at his land by Kendallville where he kept an eye on the food plot for the deer. He would often check his trail cameras and really enjoyed his time at his campground by the Upper Iowa River.  He also cherished his gambling adventures with Linda Burnikel.  Rich was very proud of his grandchildren.  He loved watching them grow up and was often found attending their school events.  Spending time with family and friends was a great joy for him.  He also could be found around town enjoying his morning coffee stops, along with daily afternoon trips to K-Town (Kendallville).  He was an avid Iowa State fan, but enjoyed following all kinds of sporting events in the college and professional levels.   

Richard is survived by a son: Darin (Anna) Schmauss and their children, Ashlyn (Gatlin Keehner) and Cole; a daughter: Richelle (Jess Byrnes) and their children, Sabrina & Jackson; 3 brothers: Mike (Mary) Schmauss of Denver, Iowa, John (Nancy) Schmauss of Cresco, Iowa, and Alan Schmauss of Cresco, Iowa; three sisters: Connie (Robert) Whitinger of Ankeny, Iowa Nancy (Maurice) Meyers of Rochester, Minnesota, and Carol (Mike) Stokes of Chatfield, Minnesota; a sister-in-law: Helen (Merlin) Schmauss; along with several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Merlin Schmauss; and a nephew Todd Schmauss.

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