Richard was born in December 1935 to Edna (Henderkott) and Edward Enderle in Iowa City, Iowa. In December 1956 he married his high school sweetheart Cheryl Whitcomb and they were married for 34 years. Cheryl passed away in 2012. They had three children, Julia (Jeffrey) Petersen, Lisa (David) Finlayson, and Scott (Julie) Enderle. He was the grandfather to Emily (Petersen) Schaub, Adam Petersen, Joanna Finlayson, Katie (Enderle) Pier, and John Enderle, and great-grandfather to Arthur and Ethan Schaub, Cameron and Josephine Petersen, and Anthony Pier.
Also left to honor Richard’s memory are siblings Barbara (Edgar) Wells, Shelby (Stephen) Yankee, and Ann (Ted) Mell, Ernest Smith, Dennis (Annette) Smith, Kent (Katherine) Smith, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Richard was preceded in death by Charles and Edna Smith, infant sister Joyce, and special friend Barb Elmegreen.
Richard participated in NROTC in high school and spent four years in the US Naval Reserves.
Richard retired from Caterpillar Tractor as a Tool Design Staff and Planner. Previous to that, he worked as a tool and die maker at American Air Filter and Swan Engineering.
Richard was a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, a member of the Blackhawk Hiking Club, a Boy Scout leader and campfire whisperer, a member of Roosevelt Lodge #626, holder of DeMolay degree of Chevelier, happy grandpa and Big Bada.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Shriner’s Childrens Hospital, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Davenport, or the charity of your choice.
Memories and expressions of sympathy may be left by visiting his obituary at www.weertsfh.com
Richard was known for his big warm hugs and he asked a long time ago that at the end of his memorial service everyone attending would share his favorite thing- a big hug. Covid-friendly elbow bumps and winks may be freely substituted.
