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BORN
1938
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
Dick Dearden Obituary
Des Moines - Former Senator Dick Dearden died November 2, 2019. Services will be held at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA with visitation on Sunday, November 10 from 3 to 6 p.m. and the funeral service on Monday, November 11 at 10:00 a.m. Dick will be laid to rest at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Des Moines.
Dick was born June 3, 1938, in Des Moines to Helen Mae (Cosper) and Harry Joseph Dearden. He graduated from East High School and served in the Iowa National Guard from 1956-62 and worked in the grocery industry and later manufacturing. In 1964, he and his bride, Sharon Lee Dearden took an interest in politics and volunteered for the first time door knocking for President Johnson and Governor Hughes. Dick then worked in every Presidential and Gubernatorial election following. He served as Polk County Democratic Chair from 1979-81 and was a National Delegate for President Clinton in 1996. With the support of his family, friends and labor, he was proudly elected to the State Senate in 1994 and served until 2017.
In his spare time, Dick enjoyed time with his family and friends, fishing and hunting with his sons, grandchildren and friends, gardening, and was an avid Dodgers fan. He was a member of AMVETS, Izaak Walton League, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and AFSCME Retirees.
Dick is survived by his children, David (Kristen), Mark (Minda), and Pam Conner; grandchildren, Ryan (Kara), Samantha (Brandon), Mikayla, Emily, Eden, and Annika; and great-grandchildren, Briar and Lilly. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sharon; brother, Jerry Dearden; and son-in-law, Tracy Conner.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Freeman and the staff at Mercy Oncology for their tremendous care of Dick.
Memorials may be directed to Ducks Unlimited or the Iowa National Heritage Foundation. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dick Dearden
Sponsored by Hamilton's Funeral Home on Westown Parkway.
Jeri Schaben
October 29, 2023
Dick was a great man and a great friend!
Michael & Amy Blaess
November 13, 2019
Our deepest sympathies to your family on the loss of Dick. He was an inspiration to others and so very well respected.
William Shoehigh
November 8, 2019
A happy warrior. A true fighter for working families. A great fan of the LA Dodgers and toothpicks. Loved to hunt, loved to fish, loved his family and the Democratic Party. Julie and I send our best wishes to the family.
Johnathan Colton
November 7, 2019
Dick was a great guy. I loved talking to him about life. He almost inspired me to run for office but who knows I may someday just because of him. Its nice to have an older person inspire you to want to achieve better or different things in life and I felt like my conversations with him he was leading me in that path. I'm going to miss him.
Johnathan Colton
Mark Gisleson
November 7, 2019
Pam and Mark, I think you know how much your folks meant to me. I owe them everything and will always remember the work we did for their Polk County Democratic Party. We traveled different paths but always had the same goals. Your parents were warriors and fought the good fight. I admired them both and will miss them.
Joseph Crook
November 4, 2019
God has a wonderful person in heaven. Dick was a true leader with a great sense of humor. He was easy to work with and enjoyed helping people. I am sorry to read of his passing away. Prayers for his family.
Tom and Nancy Courtney
November 4, 2019
Dick, you were such a good friend and Tom and I will never forget the memories we made with you and Sharon! Whenever I saw you, I'd say "There's my 2nd favorite Senator" and you'd grin that boyish grin and say "How are 'ya, Darlin'?" You had so much charm and cared about all of us! Your "followers" will miss you! You didn't just take up space; you made such a difference in many people's lives in so many ways! Even though we may shed a few tears, we will also smile about some of our escapades at Gene's Place! Till we meet again, my friend! Give Sharon a hug from us! Tom and Nancy Courtney
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Memorial Events
for Dick Dearden
Nov
10
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Hamilton's Funeral Home on Westown Parkway3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Nov
11
Funeral service
10:00 a.m.
Hamilton's Funeral Home on Westown Parkway3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Funeral services provided by:
Hamilton's Funeral Home on Westown Parkway3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
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