Richard J. Oggero

Richard was born on May 8, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois to Marie and Carlo Oggero. The family moved to Centerville, Iowa where he graduated from Centerville High School in 1957. Richard continued his education at Indian Hills Junior college, Oklahoma State University, and Iowa State University.

He married Judy Lee Lauser in 1961 and they settled in West Des Moines, Iowa with their three sons.

In 1967 Richard joined The Weitz Company. His career spanned 34 years and he retired from The Weitz Company in 2001 as Chairman of the Board. During his time with Weitz, he was dedicated to the growth and success of the company.

Richard was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman and he and Judy traveled extensively with friends and family. Active in charitable and professional organizations throughout his life, recently Richard worked on a number of projects including The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Iowa City, Iowa, The Salisbury House in Des Moines, Iowa and Fun Time Early Childhood Academy in Naples, Florida. He was a member of Des Moines Golf & Country club and Bonita Bay Club.

He is preceded in death by his parents. Richard is survived by his wife Judy of 50 years, Sons Mark Oggero (Denise), Matt Oggero (Monica,) Phillip Oggero (Jeff Van Houten) and five grandchildren; George, Alexandra, Walter, Jacqueline and Nicholas Oggero.

At the time of his passing he said to his family, “I’ve had a good life. I’m a lucky guy.”

A memorial service will be held in honor of Richard’s life at McLaren’s Chapel located in Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines, Iowa at 11:00AM on Friday, June 17, 2011. A reception will follow at Des Moines Golf and Country Club.

For those who wish, memorials in his name may be made to Hope Lodge, 750 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, Iowa 52246 or Hope Hospice, Joanne’s House, 27200 Imperial Parkway, Bonita Springs, Florida, 34135.