Richard Eugene Amundson

Richard E. Amundson, 79, of Des Moines, IA, died unexpectedly on October 15, 2024.  He grew up on a beautiful farm near rural Clermont in northeastern Iowa.  He was active in his local 4-H club and Luther League. Later, his studies at Luther College were interrupted by his military service during the Vietnam war. This intermission was fortuitous, as it led him to meeting his future wife, Sally, while both worked at the college radio station.

While serving in the Air Force he began taking flying lessons, which turned into a successful career as a corporate pilot.  When he wasn't flying, he was skilled with a variety of electronics and was often ahead of his time regarding his radios and computers.  In retirement, he enjoyed traveling, reading, tinkering with electronics, and meeting up with his "lunch bunch" for a good story, joke, or pun.  He was also an active member of the Za-Ga-Zig Shriners, the West Gate Adelphic Lodge 509, the Quiet Birdmen, and local ham radio groups.

Those left to keep his memory alive include his wife of 52 years Sally Amundson, his daughters Rachel Amundson and Rebecca (Jeffrey) Wilson, beloved granddaughter Natalie Wilson, sister-in-law Gina Fahrenholz, brother-in-law Brian (Gail) Campopiano, nieces and nephews, many cousins, and countless friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents Almer and Marjorie Amundson, sister Kathleen (JH) Gardner, parents-in-law Joseph and Erma Campopiano, and many uncles and aunts.

A casual visitation will be held on Friday, October 25th, at Lutheran Church of the Good Shephard (3820 SW 9th St., Des Moines, IA) from 9am - noon so family and friends may gather and share memories of Richard.  A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.  Memorials will be divided between the Za-Ga-Zig Schriner Children's hospitals, which he enjoyed supporting by driving golf carts during the Iowa State Fair, and Lutheran Church of the Good Shephard's Memorial Fund.