Richard Norman "Rick" Bollenbaugh

Richard Norman "Rick" Bollenbaugh, 88, of West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully after a long illness on July 10, 2026. Born on September 3, 1937, in Des Moines, Iowa, to William and Lorene Bollenbaugh, Rick lived a full life defined by quiet devotion to his family, a strong work ethic, and a love of adventure.

At just seventeen years old, Rick enlisted in the U.S. Army in April 1955 and was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division. He served overseas with the European Command in Bamberg, Germany, until 1958, during which time he had the opportunity to visit Switzerland and France. After returning home, he met Nancy Stafford at a party and was immediately smitten. The two married on September 26, 1959, at the chapel of University Christian Church in Des Moines, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades.

Together, Rick and Nancy raised four children. Rick worked for twenty years at Meredith Corporation's mailing and printing facility, providing a stable foundation for his family and making sure that his children had the opportunity to attend college. Every summer, the family vacationed out west, with Colorado being a favorite destination. They regularly visited Yellowstone, Mesa Verde, the Badlands, and the Rocky Mountains. Rick loved the region so much that the family nearly relocated to Colorado.

Rick was a longtime member of the Des Moines Golf and Country Club, where he enjoyed many rounds of golf. He was an avid coin collector, a dedicated sports fan who followed football, basketball, and boxing, and a keen stock market investor who watched the markets daily and gladly shared advice with others. He and Nancy also enjoyed trips to Las Vegas to with friends. A man of quiet strength, Rick may not have been one for grand displays of emotion, but his love showed clearly in his actions. He had a special fondness for his beloved Chinese Shar Pei dogs, particularly Ricky and Lucy.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; his daughters, Mindy Tenney (Steve), Shellee Graham (Jim Ross), and Julie Cordes; his son, Timothy Bollenbaugh; and his sister, Linda Holmes, and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lorene Bollenbaugh; his brother, James Bollenbaugh; and his sister, Janice Foster.

A private service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with burial at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines.