Richard Heyes

Richard H. Heyes, age 86, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City. Funeral Services were held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, September 26, 2020 at the First Congregational Church in Buffalo Center with Rev. Jonathan Faulkner officiating. The funeral was livestreamed on the Schott Funeral Homes website and Facebook page. Burial was held in Olena Mound Cemetery in Buffalo Center. Military Honors will be performed by the Buffalo Center American Legion Post #21.

Richard C. Heyes was born April 1, 1934 in Lakota, the son of Ubbe and Marie Minnie Heramina (Balvance) Heyes. He attended country school in German Township until the 8th grade and graduated from the Lakota Consolidated School. He was drafted into the United States Army in October of 1956 and was honorably discharged in 1958. After serving his country, he returned to the family farm and continued farming for 53 years. He and Doris moved to town in 2012, but he continued to help his son, Larry with spring and fall fieldwork until his passing.

Richard enjoyed traveling, farming, and especially had a passion for fishing, a hobby he passed down to his son, daughter and all his grandchildren. He enjoyed square dancing and also loved to polka. He was a pilot and enjoyed flying. Richard enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a faithful member of the First Congregational Church and enjoyed many years of ushering. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Doris of Buffalo Center; son, Larry and special friend, Kathy Gjerstad; daughter, Pamela Sue (Brent) Swenson of Buffalo Center; grandchildren: Brady (Stephanie) Swenson of Mason City, Kady Heyes and fiancé, Darren Brown of Blue Earth, MN, Chelsey Swenson and special friend, Admir of North Liberty, Brandi (Noah) VanReese of Hanlontown; great-grandchildren: Ameliya and Grayson Brown, Vera VanReese and Sawyer Swenson; and many other nieces and nephews and family members.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lucille; brothers-in-law: Roger Radtke and Keith Hagenson; mother and father-in-law, John and Ann Abels; and sister-in-law, Janet Abels.

Schott Funeral Homes in Forest City and Lake Mills is assisting the family. To leave an online condolence, visit: www.schottfuneralhomes.com