Richard E. Haesemeyer

Richard E. Haesemeyer

Des Moines

Richard "Dick" Everett Haesemeyer, 83, passed away Monday, September 12, 2011 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 17 at Iles Funeral Homes-Dunn's Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service Saturday.

Dick was born April 11, 1928, to Edwin and Ruth Haesemeyer in Tipton, Iowa. He grew up in Rockford, Illinois. He attended the University of Iowa and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1950. He was enrolled at George Washington University Law School until he was drafted into the Korean War. He served both in Washington DC and Japan. Upon his discharge, in 1954, he returned to the states and completed his law degree at Harvard Law School.

Early in his legal career, Dick worked as a lawyer for American Airlines in New York City. In 1967, Dick returned to his birth state, and served as Iowa's Solicitor General until 1979. Upon leaving public service, he continued to practice law in Des Moines until his retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Constance Price of Des Moines; sons, Richard (and Pamela) of Apple Valley, Minnesota, Robert (and Mary) of Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, and John (and Darrin) of San Francisco, California; daughter, Kristin (and Matt) Reed of Waukee, eight grandchildren, Rachael, Ben, Brooke, Braeden, William, Katherine, Sophie, and Hunter; brother, Fred (and Clairie) of Dallas, Texas; cousins, nieces, and a nephew.

Dick Haesemeyer was a consummate card player, sharing this life long passion with both family and friends. He enjoyed fine dining, cooking, travel, and entertaining. He was inquisitive. An avid reader and follower of both politics and current events, Dick was a tremendous conversationalist. All those fortunate to have known him will miss his humor, sarcasm, and ebullient spirit.

Dick was a dog lover, often sharing stories of his pet Dalmatian, King, from his boyhood. As a father, he graciously adopted the strays that followed his boys home from their paper routes, welcoming them into his family with suitable dog names like Pepper and Bowser. Later, he shared his retirement with his loyal and constant companion, a gregarious yellow Lab named Sam.

In lieu of flowers and condolences, contributions may be made to Furry Friends Refuge, West Des Moines, Iowa.