Name: Visitation for Richard L. Schuett
Start: 2021-05-17T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-05-18T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church

Richard L. Schuett

Ankeny - Richard Leo Schuett, 69, passed away on his birthday, May 14, 2021 at his home surrounded by loving family.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 17, 2021 at Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church (510 E. 1st St.) in Ankeny, Iowa. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 18, 2021 also at the church. Burial will take place immediately after the service at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA.

He was born May 14, 1952, along with his twin brother, Robert, at Fort Campbell, KY, to Darwin and Ruth (Taylor) Schuett, a very proud military family. Because his father was a full time soldier, Ric grew up all over the world, finally settling in Boone, IA, where he graduated from Boone High School in 1970.

He attended classes at DMACC after graduation, then joined the Army in 1972, where he became a Military Police Sergeant at Ft.Bragg, NC, until his discharge in 1975. He joined the Iowa Army National Guard in 1979, attended Officer Candidate School, and was commissioned in June 1980. Ric served for 35 years in the military, was a TAC officer for many years, as well as completing Armor & Infantry Advanced Courses, Command General Staff College, and retired as a Lt. Colonel in 2007.

In 1976 Ric married his first wife, Kathy O'Malley, and they are the proud parents of two sons, Neal and Tim.

In 1978 he joined the Des Moines Police Department and proudly served for 33 & 1/2 years, retiring in 2011 as a Sergeant. He enjoyed mentoring the younger police officers throughout his career. He achieved his BA in Law Enforcement Administration from Marycrest University in 1992.

Ric always lived a life dedicated to service, coaching his sons' teams, being a cub scout leader, and helping with Adaptive Sports paraplegics during RAGBRAI for many years. He made Driver Safety Videos for the State of Iowa, and helped many a teen with driving lessons over the years. He was an active member of Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, where he was involved with Knights of Columbus and was a past Grand Knight as well as 4th Degree member. He loved being a Eucharistic minister, usher, and elementary catechist. He was a member of the Ankeny American Legion, and also belonged to PIGS men's Christian group at Lutheran Church of Hope.

Ric had a great sense of humor, and loved telling jokes, especially around a campfire. He and his wife, Denise, married in 1999, and loved camping and traveling, especially with their grandkids, and wintering at southern military locations for several years. His favorite thing in life was being "Papa".

Survivors include his loving wife, Denise; sons, Neal Schuett of Cincinnati, Ohio, Timothy Schuett of Iowa City, IA, and Matthew Johnson of Johnston, IA; two grandchildren, Evelyn and Owen of Cincinnati; brother, Robert (Doreen) Schuett of Charlottesville, VA; sisters, Dona (Gary) Koelling of Mundelein, IL, Dana (Graham) Deacon of North Carolina, Barb (Ed) Picard of Arvada, CO, and Dawn (Ken) Gilliam of South Elgin, IL; as well as several nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Taylor Faulkner; his stepfather, Jim Faulkner; his father, Darwin Schuett; step-mother, Elsie Schuett; and two sisters, Terry Van Slyke, and Dara Lisa Schuett.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to OLIH Knights of Columbus Council 5038, or Iowa Gold Star Museum at Camp Dodge. You can also honor him by giving the gift of life by donating blood.

Special thanks to Dr. Steve Heddinger, Aaron, Dino, and the staff at MOHA, as well as the Unitypoint Hospice team for their care of Ric.

Online at www.MemorialServicesOfIowa.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register from May 14 to May 16, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Schuett

Sponsored by Memorial Services of Iowa at Ankeny Memorial (MSI).

5 Entries

Todd Jacobus

May 18, 2021

My condolences to the Schuett family on the loss of Ric. He was a great person, who served his community, and our State & Nation well - as both a Soldier and Law Enforcement Officer. I met Ric when he was a TAC Officer (maybe Senior TAC?) at the Iowa Military Academy back in late 1980s. He had a voice that you could hear all over Central Iowa, and he was quite comfortable booming that voice in every nook and cranny of the Academy. He was a lot of fun to be around, was a great storyteller, and loved being around people. I remember his Dad, Dar Schuett, as well. And of course, we can hardly say Ric’s name without saying Denise’s name as well. They were a great team, and it makes me sad to see that team broken up. Ric passed way too soon. Blessings to the Schuett family.

Sharon Waller

May 18, 2021

Denise and family, My deepest sympathies to all of you. I enjoyed meeting you last March when I was with Tim and Vicki. We had a lot of laughs and I love meeting Tim and Vicki’s friends and I know why they are close to you after spending a couple days with you and Ric. The love you two had for each other was priceless and so obvious. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time so hold the loving memories close to your heart. Hopefully I’ll see you soon. My prayers are with you! Sharon Lallier Waller.

Janelle Henry

May 17, 2021

Ric was one of the sweetest people I have known. He will be deeply missed. I am sure at our class reunion this year, his name will be mentioned a few times.

Mary Lynn Neuhaus

May 16, 2021

Neal, Evie, Owen, Mrs Schuett, and all the members of the Schuett family,
My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your Dad, “Papa” and best friend. I know 69 years was not enough for you, but as long as you remember him, he lives on through you. He lived a life of service to others, and for that, so many that you have never even met are grateful he was there for them. You are all in my prayers as you grieve this loss and celebrate his life.
ML Neuhaus

Dave Brown

May 15, 2021

Ric and I worked together several times in various assignments while we were on The D.M.P.D. I always admired Ric for his dedication to his career choices -both his law enforcement and military careers. He was devoted to both and a proud member and great representative of both endeavors.
Ric was great to work with, he was a "team player." His sense of humor was a great tool he used well. He could always bet he would supply you with a laugh.
To Denise, Neal and Tim and the rest of your families, it goes without saying, but Ric was so proud of you all and he loved you very much.
My sympathy is extended to you all in your time of heart felt loss.

Dave Brown
(retired D.M.P.D. Sergeant)

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