Richard Lynn Klaessy

Richard Lynn Klaessy, 86, of Marshalltown, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at his home at the Embers Retirement Community.

A Visitation for Richard will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026 from 2:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Memorials may be directed to the Marshalltown Community College Foundation. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Richard and his family.

Richard (Dick) Klaessy was born on July 6, 1939 on a farm near Lu Verne, Iowa. He graduated from Fort Dodge High School. Dick continued his education at Fort Dodge Community College, and obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees at the State Teachers College at UNI. Dick was a member of the Air National Guard as a Medic for seven years.

He was united in marriage to Susan Schafer for twenty six years. They would divorce, but were blessed with two children: John and Ann. Dick taught social sciences and history at Paton Churdan schools and history at Clinton High School before moving to Marshalltown where he taught at Marshalltown Community College for thirty-eight years. He also taught Head Start for five years and GED classes for eleven years.

Dick enjoyed cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Boston Celtics, and of course, all Marshalltown Bobcat sports. He also enjoyed golfing, and had been the golf coach at MCC for ten years. Dick enjoyed his coffee group, Quarterback Club, Kiwanis, and playing Jeopardy at the Embers. He loved living at the Embers and the family would like to thank the staff and all of his friends there. Dick never met a person he didn’t want to learn more about and know better; he made everyone feel that they mattered.

Dick is survived by his children: John (Sara) Klaessy of Grimes and Ann (Vy) Ho of Suffield, Connecticut. Grandchildren: Jared and Laura Klaessy and Justin, Natalie and Brendan Ho. He is also survived by his younger brother: Don (Barbara) Klaessy and several nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents: Eugene and Elouise (Olson) Klaessy.