Rick Lee Sawyer

Rick L. Sawyer, age 71 of Garwin, passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.

Per Rick’s wishes, cremation rites have taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 1:00 until 3:00 P.M. at the LeGrand Community Building, followed by a gathering at the Garwin Bull.

Rick was born on January 27, 1953, in Marshalltown, the son of Roger Eugene and Darlene (Dvorak) Sawyer. He was raised in Montour and attended South Tama High School from where he graduated in 1971.

In 1982, Rick was united in marriage with Patricia Carkhuff in Montour. They built a family together and have now been blessed with grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Rick worked at Cessford Construction right out of high school and stayed as a dedicated loader operator for 40+ years. He most recently worked for Marshall County maintaining the roads until his retirement.

Rick was a hard worker, outside of his job he had many hobbies and interests. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever. In his early years, he moved his family to the country and started farming and raising hogs, which took a team effort. Rick loved his tractors and attending tractor shows, but his favorite was his Farmall. He also enjoyed boating, camping, snowmobiling, and collecting (everything!). Rick collected pins, hats, guns, you name it; and more recently, Rick took up online shopping.

Rick had many interests and hobbies, but the most important thing in his life was his family and his friends. Rick enjoyed the time with his family, whether it was the several trips to NASCAR races in Bristol, TN and Las Vegas, NV with Pat, disagreeing over the Iowa vs. Iowa State football game with the kids, or all the fun with the grandkids, he loved every second of it. Rick was just as dedicated to his friends and will be missed by many.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Darlene; and his four-legged companions, Chowdown, Hooch and Jazmine. He is survived by his wife, Pat of Garwin; children, Chad (Lisa) Sawyer, Jarrod (Tara) Ulery, and Renee (Juan) Ulery-Ascencio; grandchildren, Alanceson (Hailey) Sawyer, Jorden (Jason) Wardenburg, Reece Sawyer, Tabatha (Loren) Davis, Kayla (Patrick) Brown, Bryson Ascencio, Blair (Rob) Paxton, Eliza Ulery, Brady Ulery; along with 15 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Debbie (Tom) Williams, Jeff (Sally) Sawyer, Tom (Judy) Sawyer, Todd (Sue) Sawyer and Tim Sawyer.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Rick and his family. To leave online condolences, visit www.mitchellfh.com. 641-844-1234.