Richard Bachman

Richard Bachman, a long-time educator in the Grinnell Schools, died on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Medical Center. He was born on October 11, 1935 to Velma and Roy Bachman in Ottumwa, Iowa. In 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Marsha Hawkinson and they recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary.
Richard graduated from Truman State University in 1958. Upon graduation, he served in the United States Army for two years, teaching at an Army base in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He taught and coached in Bagley and Brooklyn, Iowa until he joined the staff at Grinnell High School in 1968 as a driver education teacher. He served as the guidance counselor from 1973 until his retirement in 1996. During those years, he was also very active as a football and basketball referee.
He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye football fan, and together, he and Marsha attended each home game for over 35 years. He enjoyed gardening and sharing the produce with friends. He was always there to help Marsha in the flower beds. He enjoyed traveling and always looked forward to their winters in Florida.
His greatest joy was being with his family. His daughters Kimberly (Matthew) Bigler of Cedar Falls and Kristen (Kelly) Baker of Iowa City. His grandchildren Quinn and Anne Bigler and Mackenzie (Logan) Mundt and Dylan (Rachel) Mertens and great-grandchildren Beckett Mundt and Maren Mertens were his treasures.
Richard was a member of the Grinnell Elks Club, an emeritus member of the Grinnell Lions Club. He was recognized for his service in the University of Iowa cornea transplant program. He served on the advisory board at Station Clubhouse for many years and had been active in the Grinnell United Methodist Church. His community service was recognized by the Leave It Better Than You Found It Award in 1996.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Kristen in 2023, and two sisters, Donna Lawson and Sharon Breon.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Friday, December 19th at 11:00 AM. The family will greet friends one hour prior.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be designated to the Richard Bachman Scholarship Fund and sent to Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.