Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Richard O'Connor Obituary
Clive
Dick O'Connor died peacefully at home on December 30, 2015, after bravely battling Multiple System Atrophy, a neurologic degenerative disease. His birthplace was Waterloo, IA, January 11, 1948, to John and Freda O'Connor.
Dick, also known fondly as Dicko, Pappy and his playful alias Danny Regal, loved long talks with his daughters, weekly date nights with his wife Peg, boys trips with his crew from Des Moines and star-filled nights with extended family on the dock of his summer home in Clear Lake.
Dick's life story is defined by his timeless relationship with Peg, whom he knew and loved for nearly his entire life. The two met at a sock hop when Dick was 14 years-old, stood side-by-side as their homecoming's king and queen and recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. Peg and Dick truly walked through life together - even later in Dick's life when he shuffled and rolled.
A true American sportsman, Dick was all-state in basketball and football at Dowling High School before receiving a football scholarship to Nebraska and ultimately graduating from Drake.
The founder and president of O'Connor Homes/Regal Development, Dick worked his way up from real estate agent selling one home at a time to constructing hundreds of the finest homes and neighborhoods in the Des Moines area.
When not on the job site he was holding court with his best friends at his favorite places in Des Moines. People naturally gravitated to him.
While his family moved from one "Proud Dick O'Connor Home" to another, he seemed most at home in Clear Lake. A home-building expert, Dick customized his lake home with his family and friends in mind, including a kids room fondly dubbed "Dickiebunkport".
More than a husband and father, Dick was a true patriarch and is beloved by all of his family members. He is survived and will always be cherished by his loving wife Peg and three admiring daughters Carri, Megan and Riley. Dick will also be remembered in legendary style by nine grandchildren, one great grandchild and hundreds of friends throughout his proud home state of Iowa.
Visitation will be at Iles Dunn's Funeral Home from 4:30PM to 6:30PM on Monday, January 4th. A vigil service will follow. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM Tuesday, January 5th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Ave., West Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be made to Multiple System Atrophy Coalition or Dowling Catholic High School.
Family is requesting any fond memories/stories of Dick to be sent to [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard O'Connor
Denise Nichols
January 26, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God continue to comfort you and your family during your time of sorrow.
Cortez and Denise Nichols
Rob Owen
January 24, 2016
So saddened and sorry to hear of Dick's passing. A wonderful person in all aspects if husband life.
January 7, 2016
Peg I hope that the faith that has guided you in so many challenging times will strengthen you as you mourn the loss of Dick. He was an incrediable man,father and Soulmate and a servant of God in all that he did. Please know that I will be praying for you and your family for peace and comfort.I know that God will answer our prayers.
May you be guided by your faith
Kathryn and Terry Barton
Ron Palmer
January 5, 2016
Peg,
Steve Herwig was kind enough to forward Dick's obituary. So very sorry to hear of his passing. Although we haven't seen each other since '71, I still have fond memories of our Drake days. My sincerest sympathy
Fred & Kathy(Lord) Coffin
January 5, 2016
Sorry to hear of your loss
January 5, 2016
To the O'Connor family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dick truly was an amazing man. Sending lots of love from the George family.
Katie
Ron German
January 5, 2016
My condolences to Dick's family. We were childhood friends that spent endless hours playing football and baseball in the neighborhood we grew up. Dick was a good friend and really put everything into the game. Certain things never change. May God bless Dick and his family during this time of remembrance.
Mike Franklin
January 4, 2016
I'm so glad that I saw you and Dick on Thanksgiving. Peg, your care for Dick was wonderful and I hope that you will be rewarded for the rest of your life.
January 3, 2016
Dearest Peg : I am so sorry to hear of your lovers passing! Your visit to Michigan this summer was such a gift and you are so special> I wish there was a better way in life but we don't get to choose. Know that our prayers are with you all. Talk soon DiAnne Riley from Michigan Cousins
Kenney Pryce
January 3, 2016
My condolences go out to the entire O'Connor family. I had the pleasure of working with Dick for 10 years in the home building business. What a super guy and a great friend.
John C. Kline
January 2, 2016
Dickie boy, thanks for being my friend! God bless you and your entire family.
Pat Riley
January 2, 2016
I will miss my very special brother-in-law. He lives on through his wonderful daughters and grandchildren.
Monica Schneider-Voss
January 2, 2016
Carri, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your dad will always be missed but never forgotten. I feel so blessed to have known him!
Mike Moore
January 2, 2016
It was a pleasure knowing Dick. I enjoyed our many conversations and he will be missed.Thinking of his family and many friends.
jack baker
January 2, 2016
Played football with Dick at Drake,and really enjoyed his sense of humor. God bless his family.
Gene and Kathy Flanagan Garton
January 2, 2016
Peg and families,
Dick will never be forgotten. My brother, Billy, idolized Dick in Loved always running into you both so many places. Christopher's to be the main one. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. RIP Dick....
Kim Briley (Katch)
January 2, 2016
Peg and girls, I am sorry for your loss. I remember growing when your mom and dad lived next door to us and all the fun times we had on our walks around the block at night,or just hanging out on the front porch. He is truly one of a kind. I send you my prayers and thoughts as you go through this time of loss. May he rest in peace. Love, Kim (Katch) Briley
Andrea Thibodeau
January 2, 2016
Carri and family- my thoughts and prayers are with you
Many fond memories of your dad
Carri O'Connor Simonini
January 2, 2016
I will forever miss your infectious laugh, your love of life, and your "life of the party" attitude! Your absence leaves a huge hole in my heart, but I know that Heaven is a much happier place now. I love you my Pappy!!
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Make a Donation
in Richard O'Connor's name
Memorial Events
for Richard O'Connor
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard O'Connor's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
