Richard Kim Wilson

The earthly loss of Rev. Dr. R. Kim Wilson, age 71, is Heaven’s gain after his peaceful passing on Monday, November 11, 2024 at Westbrook Acres in Gladbrook, Iowa.

Services for Kim will take place on Saturday, November 16 at 10:30 A.M. at Green Mountain United Church of Christ. He will be laid to rest at Green Mountain Cemetery. A visitation will be held Friday, November 15 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. For questions or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

Born Richard Kim Wilson on July 4, 1953 in Manchester, Iowa, he was the son of Lester and Marion (Baker) Wilson. After graduating from Edgewood-Colesburg High School, he went on to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Operations at Iowa State University. It was here he met the love of his life, Madonna Oettchen. The couple was united in marriage on August 23, 1975 at Gladbrook Peace Church, on a day so hot the icing on the cake was dripping. Considered one of the “Golden Boys,” Kim started his career in the pre-management training program at Oscar Mayer in Madison, WI. After the birth of their daughter Jennie in 1977, they moved to Chicago, IL, where he worked for his brother, Nick at Morrison Timing Screw. In 1983, Kim and Madonna had the opportunity to move back to Iowa and work on the Oettchen family farm.

Kim was extremely intelligent and driven, always prioritized his community, and especially thrived during his involvement with the Gladbrook Jaycees. Due to his hardworking nature and civic-mindedness, he not only helped his chapter achieve #1 status in the state, but he also changed the rules in order to serve as president for the State of Iowa Jaycees. Kim was instrumental in positive change of the Gladbrook area and surrounding communities during his 8 years of serving as the Tama County Supervisor. He truly had a knack for recruiting and getting people excited about being involved. He also was able to share his unique and effective skillset with others through keynote speaking and soft skills training.

During his time serving as National Chaplain for the Jaycees, Kim no longer felt he could ignore the call for something more. At age 50, he returned to school, attending seminary at the University of Dubuque, and due to his competitive spirit, he went on to earn his Doctorate in Religious Studies. Kim was blessed to serve both Green Mountain and Marshalltown United Church of Christ for almost 20 years. He was a well-liked, well-respected shepherd with a true servant heart. Kim was generous with his time and treasures and always gave to others. He was kind yet meticulous, with exactly enough patience to have healthy, thriving African Violets. Kim also had a soft spot for Great Danes, raising many from puppies through his years.

Those left to cherish his memory include is his beloved wife of 49 years, Madonna; his daughter Jennie (Jacob Moore) Wilson-Moore of Marshalltown; grandsons Aiden and Wilson Moore; siblings: Terry (Esther) Wilson of Scottsdale, AZ, Nick (Nancy) Wilson of Chicago, IL and Penny Hansel of Guttenberg, IA; sisters-in-law: Connie Strable and Judy (Bob) Peterson; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; numerous brothers and sisters in Christ; and his Great Dane, Clark.

In eternal life, Kim is reunited with his parents Lester and Marion Wilson, his sister Shela Marzano, father-in-law and mother-in-law Ervin and Pat Oettchen, brother-in-law Cletus Hansel; many aunts and uncles and his Great Danes Spock, Bones, Tasha, Khan, Associate Pastor Miri, Ty and Wrigley.