Richard Lee “Dick” Wold

Richard Lee “Dick” Wold

Maquoketa

Richard Lee “Dick” Wold, 80, of Maquoketa, IA, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 25, 2024, at his home.

Born on March 6, 1944, in Postville, IA, to Burdette Orlando “Andy” and Helen Elizabeth (Bernhard) Wold, Dick’s life was marked by his love for family, sports, and education.

Dick grew up in a close-knit family and attended MFL High School, where he graduated in 1962. He went on to Upper Iowa University, where he showcased his athletic talents by playing baseball and basketball. In 1965, his prowess on the baseball field caught the attention of the Minnesota Twins, and he played minor league baseball for two seasons. Despite his promising athletic career, Dick was committed to education and graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education, with a minor in Sociology.

Dick’s professional journey as an educator began at Elkhorn-Kimballton School, where he taught Physical Education. In 1969, he moved to Maquoketa and continued to inspire young minds at Maquoketa Junior High School. His passion for sports and education led him to serve as the Head Baseball Coach, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, and eventually Principal at Maquoketa Community High School, a role he held for 13 years. After a fulfilling 24-year career, Dick retired in 1999, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and dedication.

Even in retirement, Dick continued to contribute to his community by serving on the AEA Board of Directors. His commitment to service was evident through his involvement with the Optimist Club of Maquoketa. His contributions to athletics were recognized when he was named Administrator of the Year by the Iowa High School Athletic Association in 1998 and when he was inducted into the Upper Iowa University Athletic Hall of Fame for baseball in 2005.

Dick married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann “Beth” Mehlhorn, in Shawano, Wisconsin on June 9, 2001. Their union was a testament to love and partnership, and together they built a life filled with joy and laughter.

Dick’s love for sports was a cornerstone of his life. He was a talented semi-pro ballplayer, known locally for playing with the Maquoketa Indians. A lifelong fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, the Green Bay Packers, and the Iowa Hawkeyes, Dick’s enthusiasm for sports was infectious. His interests extended beyond the field, as he enjoyed hunting, fishing, old country music, and playing cards. In his later years, he enjoyed watching his grandkids play ball.

Dick’s memory will be forever cherished by his loving wife, Elizabeth Wold of Maquoketa, IA; his children, Mike (Tammy) Wold of Decorah, IA, Teresa Wold of Kissimmee, FL, and Andy (Angi) Wold of Parker, CO; his brother, Mark (Sue) Wold of Spring Hill, FL; his seven grandchildren, TJ, Brady, Chandler, Emma, Anais, Tyrus, and Vienne; his great-grandchild, Gavin; his mother-in-law, Jane Mehlhorn of Shawano, WI; his brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Chuck and Kim Mehlhorn of Shawano, WI, and Andy Mehlhorn of Shawano, WI; and several nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ronnie Wold, his father-in-law LaVellen Mehlhorn, and his sister-in-law, Terry Jones.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, November 9, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Friday, November 8, 2024, in “The Bistro” at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at a later date at Saint Paul Stony Hill Lutheran Cemetery, Shawano, WI.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Richard L. “Dick” Wold memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.CarsonAndSon.com.