Richard L. Sychra

Richard Louis Sychra, 79, passed away unexpectedly at his home on September 1, 2026.Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, September 10, 2026 at First United Methodist Church in Des Moines, 1001 Pleasant St., Des Moines 50309, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery at a later date.

Rich was born on December 10, 1946, in Creston, Iowa. He would have celebrated his 80th birthday later this year. Rich was the youngest of four children of Ed and Delores (Peterson) Sychra. He was raised on a farm in Adair County, Iowa, where he helped out and also got into plenty of mischief in the nearby creek. He attended Richland school through the eighth grade and then graduated from Orient-Macksburg High School in 1965. In high school, he excelled in athletics and was chosen as Most Valuable Player and All-Conference First Team in football.

After high school, Rich attended the CE School of Commerce in Omaha, Nebraska, and the Des Moines College of Automation to learn computer programming. He went on to have a successful career at several companies, including Iowa State University, Bankers Trust Company and Principal Financial Group, where he retired in 2007.

Rich married Marilyn Miller on March 27, 1971. They later divorced in 1996 and had one daughter together, Carole Sychra, born on August 12, 1977. Carole also lives in Des Moines and is grateful for all the time she and her sons spent with her dad over the years and the many cherished memories they shared.

Rich married the love of his life Deborah (Debbie) Bright on October 3, 1998. They made their home on the south side of Des Moines, close to Debbie’s parents and siblings. They remained in this home for nearly 28 years, where Rich was always working on one house project or another.

Rich and Debbie enjoyed traveling together and made many special memories along the way. Rich especially loved seeing wildlife in Costa Rica and Alaska. They traveled to several countries in Europe, including visiting Rich’s Czech relatives in Prague. One memorable trip to Utah included seeing Bryce Canyon National Park, taking in the striking red rock formations, and watching his daughter Carole cross the finish line of the St. George Marathon. They also made many trips to Denver and Memphis to visit Debbie’s daughters, Natalie and Allison, and their families.

Rich had a lot of hobbies, including hunting, fishing—including trips to Canada with friends—golfing, and keeping his yard meticulous. He also loved attending his grandsons’ sporting events and school activities.

Rich was a longtime member of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines, where he went three times a week to exercise and play basketball. He made many friendships there, including Bruce Cahill, who was one of Rich’s closest friends for many years. Rich and Debbie enjoyed many fun times with Bruce and his wife, Maureen.

In January 2020, Rich suffered a massive stroke and was at On With Life rehabilitation center in Ankeny where he regained the ability to walk. He was grateful to remain at home with Debbie. Despite the physical challenges the stroke brought, Rich managed to find joy and bring joy to others every day.

Rich enjoyed many of the simple things in life: hearing Debbie play the piano in their home in the evenings; their cats, Sadie and Sammie, with Sammie being Rich’s close companion for six years after his stroke; watching Caitlin Clark play for the Indiana Fever; spending time with his grandchildren; doing the Wordle every day; and saying his prayers.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Delores Sychra; his brother, Phil Sychra; and his brother-in-law, Bob Stewart.

He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie; his daughter, Carole; stepdaughters Natalie (Corey Nove) and Allison (John Smiley); grandsons Liam and Henry Curtis; granddaughters Sienna and Alandra Nove, and Willow and Fiona Smiley; sisters Sandra Stuva and Peggy Stewart; and nieces and nephews who Rich was very close with and stayed connected to throughout their lives.

Memorials may be given to Central Iowa Shelter & Services, which would be meaningful to Rich. He cared about people experiencing homelessness and looked for ways to help.