Richard “Rich” P. Schmelzer – Elkader

Richard “Rich” P. Schmelzer, 66, of Elkader, Iowa passed away at his home on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo,
Iowa. Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church prior to funeral
service.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic
Church, in Garnavillo, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Deacon Jim Pfaffly will officiate.
Rich was born on May 17, 1959, in Guttenberg, Iowa. He was the youngest of six children to Lorraine and
Esther (Bockenstedt) Schmelzer. Rich was raised and graduated high school in Garnavillo. He was united in
marriage to the love of his life, Suzette Ingles on August 21, 2010, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Garnavillo,
Iowa. Together they resided in Elkader with their three beloved dogs: Bella, Sophie and Rex.
Rich had many hobbies, which included farming with his brother, Jay (he always looked forward to getting in
the combine), Classic cars, going for drives, participating in the Combat Vet rides, spending time with friends
and most of all his family.

Survivors include his step-daughters: Brooke (Jake) Steger of Elkport and Kristi (Travis) Chettinger of Dundee;
grandchildren: Kota Steger, Ashlynn, Bralie and Kayson Chettinger; siblings: Sharon (Dennis) Reth, Gary
(Virginia) Schmelzer, Jay Schmelzer and LaVerl (Boots) Schmelzer; and many nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his wife of 15 years, Suzette; parents, Lorraine and Esther Schmelzer; parents-in-
law, Larry and Sheila Ingles; and a brother, Terry (Bugsy) Schmelzer.

Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo is assisting the family. Information is available at https://www.kramer-
morrisfuneralhome.com.