Richard Kieth Hermeier

Richard K. Hermeier, 88, of Waukon, IA, died Saturday, August 2, 2025, at his home in Waukon. Richard donated his body to the University of Iowa. Memorial services will be held Monday, August 18th, at 11:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon with Pastor Bryan Robertson officiating. Burial will be held at a later date in Bethlehem Cemetery, rural Postville. Visitation will start at 10:00 AM until time of services at the church on Monday. Martin – Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church or Veterans Memorial Hospital, both in Waukon.

Richard K. Hermeier was born on March 12, 1937, in Waukon, IA, to Fred and Florence (Klein) Hermeier. Rick was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in rural Postville, IA. He was a proud graduate of Waukon High School, class of 1955, where he was a standout football and track athlete and went on to receive a full track scholarship to the University of Iowa. He was awarded the men's all-time letter winner from 1955 to 1959 at U of I and received numerous athletic scholar awards. Rick remained an avid Hawkeye fan throughout his life. He attended several universities in his quest for further education and received a PHD in Psychology from The Fielding Graduate University of Santa Barbara, CA. He was a teaching and clinical psychologist in various cities and retired at the age of 55 from the Illinois Public Teachers Association. He never wanted to be addressed as Dr. Hermeier, "just call me Rick".

He continued to support his hometown by generously contributing to endowments for Waukon High School athletics and to various organizations, churches, and facilities to improve mental health in Waukon and Allamakee County. These endowments will continue in perpetuity for years to come. In 2017, the entrance to the Waukon High School track and football stadium was designated as the Richard Hermeier Sports Complex and commemorated with an arched sign above the entrance. Rick was honored by the Waukon Chamber of Commerce as the Person of the Year in 2020. Richard's legacy of generosity, kindness, and dedication to his community will always be remembered.

Richard was predeceased by his parents Fred and Florence Hermeier; his sisters Gladys Dix and Alice Harkreader; his brother Oliver Hermeier; and twin brother Raymond Hermeier. He is survived by nieces and nephews, as well as his loving caregivers: Tammy Cooper, Lorie Hackman, Janel Eglseder, Maureen Fahey, and Linda DeBuhr. "Here's my girl" was his first greeting of each day for the last two years.