Richard “Ric” Pruisman

Richard “Ric” Pruisman

Cedar Rapids

Richard “Ric” Pruisman, 78, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Saturday, November 30th, 2024, under Mercy Hospice care. Services will be held Friday, December 6th, 2024, 11 am at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 5th, 2024, 4-7 pm at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home.

Survivors include; his wife of 44 years, Effie. Ric’s bonus children; Cindi (Roy) Fairbanks, Brian (LaDonna) Fairbanks and Kelly (Jason) Fairbanks. Eight grandchildren; Jessica (Travis), Dustin (Tina), Jediah, Damien (Jess), Jenni (Andy), Samantha (Blake), Tyler (Samantha), Madison (Zach). Twenty-four great-grandchildren; Taylor, Treyton, Tyson, Tayah, Dallas, Eli, Kinnick, Ashton, Allie, Caitlin, Tesla, Caroline, Braxton, Hudson, Elison, Louie, Raylan, Austin, Kane, Detroit, Reese, Deegan, Matthew, Alaska. Four great-great-grandchildren; Finnegan, Xander, Rhyden, Theo. Sisters; Joyce and Janet (Kevin), several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Special friends, Randy Fox and Mike Glowaki.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Letae Pruisman, infant sister and great-great-grandson EZ Matthew.

Richard Allen Pruisman was born on November 26th, 1946, to Herman and Marian Pruisman in Eagle Grove, Iowa. He graduated from Rockwell, Iowa in 1965 and attended NIACC for two years. Upon graduation he was employed by Cherry Burrell/Evergreen Packaging as a mechanical draftsman. He was drafted in 1967 and served two years in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and received an Honorable Discharge in 1968. He continued to serve in the Army Reserves until 1974. After discharge he returned to Cherry Burrell/Evergreen Packaging until 1990. He was also employed at Vector, Universal Engineering and Kroenert Corporation. In 1999 Ric worked at the Ar-Jay Center for 10 years in the installation department, after which he started his own company, Renewed Exteriors & More. He retired in 2019.

Ric and Effie were married on August 15th, 1980. They enjoyed bike riding together, riding in RAGBRAI for 12 consecutive years. They also enjoyed country music, live bands and dancing. Ric was an avid bowler, loved working with his hands and watching the Iowa Hawkeyes. Ric and Effie belonged to a Greyhound adoption group for five years and found homes for 49 dogs. They also adopted and loved 10 of their own greyhounds for over 36 years.

Ric was active in his church from the time that he was a child to the present. He also served several years in the capacities of president, treasurer and maintaining church property inside and out. Ric also enjoyed singing solos and participating in the church choir.

Ric was very proud to be a member of the Palo Legion Post 679 for the last fifteen years and was Commander for the last seven years. Ric felt very honored to be a part of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight to Washington, DC in October 2021.

Ric will be deeply missed by all those that knew and loved him. His smile, bright blue eyes and his kind heart will always be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Critter Crusaders of Cedar Rapids or the American Legion Post 679 in Palo.

Online condolences may be left for the family at cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.