Richard L. “Dick” Waterhouse, age 74, of Bernard, IA, completed his earthly journey on his 74th birthday, August 13, 2023, at Luther Manor Grand Meadows in Asbury, IA. To honor Dick’s life, a private family service is being held. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Dick’s family.

Dick was born on August 13, 1949, the second son to Paris and Dorothy (Hughes) Cogdill. Dick grew up with a strong will yet possessed a gentle spirit when required. He was a welder by trade, which eventually led him into a mechanical role where he traveled to over 75 countries around the world to add his time, talents, and expertise to training workers and installing and repairing road and mining equipment. When Dick was back home in-between work trips, you could find him polishing his skills at the pool table for his next tournament, working on his next acquisition for his gun collection, or enjoying a ride on his Harley (especially on his annual trips to Sturgis). More recently, he enjoyed spending time with his beloved dogs or fishing from his boat at Leisure Lake. He loved to tell stories and to sing in his rich, deep voice, particularly his favorite country songs. Dick took each day in stride and loved to tease and kid around. He was often described by his siblings as ornery and stubborn, but also loving and generous. He went through some incredibly hard times, but also some good times. One of his favorite quotes was: “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.” We will miss Dick dearly and his physical presence in this world will surely be felt by all who knew and loved him. Thank you, Dick, for not only living life on your own terms, but for allowing those around you to participate as well. May you now find eternal peace from your earthly battles and we will keep your legacy alive until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish Dick’s memory include:

his children,

Stephanie Waterhouse Phillips, Pittman Center, TN,

Brandon (Amanda) Durbin, Chattanooga, TN,

Zach Lehmer, Nashville, TN;

his grandchildren,

Megan Waterhouse, Gretna, LA,

Samantha Kithcart, Gatlinburg, TN,

and Ashley Leach, Cosby, TN;

his great-grandchildren, Eden, Evander, and Ethan;

his siblings,

Nancy Cogdill Abbott, Des Moines, IA,

Joice Waterhouse (John) Gibson, Littleton, CO,

Julie (Paul) Cogdill-Jahnke, Des Moines, IA,

and Gregory “Pete” (Karlyn Messamaker) Cogdill, Blakesburg, IA;

his sister-in-law,

Joyce Waterhouse Burington, Arlington, IA;

his ex-wife,

Margie Powers-Waterhouse, Hixson, TN;

his nieces and nephews,

Shawn (Mary) Waterhouse, Manchester, IA,

Ambrose “Andy” (Missy) Waterhouse, Manchester, IA,

George Gibson, Littleton, CO,

Janna Gibson, Englewood, CO,

Geoffrey Gibson, Littleton, CO,

Jerimiah (Jaime) Ransom, Beaufort, SC,

Tarra (Eric) Sander, Des Moines, IA,

Christopher Lyle Scovill, Ottumwa, IA,

Aaron Abbott, Columbia Heights, MN,

Chad Sheets, Cedar Rapids, IA,

Courtney Sheets, TX;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Paris Cogdill and Dorothy (Ray) Kratzer; his daughter, Ammy Waterhouse; his stepfather, George Waterhouse; his brother, Frank Waterhouse; his ex-wife, Phyllis Christy Williamson; his brother, David Sheets; his niece, Sarra Abbott, and his sister, Mary Ellon Cogdill Rork.

Dick’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Luther Manor Grand Meadows and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care. Your generosity and gentle spirits truly helped to bring some peace to Dick’s last days and we’re forever grateful for each one of you.

Online condolences may be shared with Dick’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com