Richard Lane, 79, of Sperry, died Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington. Born Dec. 20, 1945, in Burlington, he was the son of Cecil and Wanda Walker Lane. He graduated from Mediapolis High School in 1964 and married Darla Delzell on June 17, 1967.
Early in his career, Richard owned and operated Grain Belt Equipment, building grain storage and handling facilities. This later became GBE Limited, as he transitioned into custom manufacturing work. After selling his business in the early 90's, he farmed for the next 30 years, raising cattle, alfalfa, and most recently chestnuts. During those years he also ran a sawmill.
Richard loved the outdoors and his farm in the valley. He enjoyed good conversation with friends and treasured his family. He loved the Lord and his faith was unwavering; his spiritual legacy will live on for generations to come.
Richard's family includes his wife of 57 years, Darla Lane; daughters, Melinda Gerst and Leanne (Jeff) Allen; grandchildren, Ethan (Stacia) Gerst, Caleb (Jessica) Gerst, Emily (Athan) Moncada, Tanner (Alyssa) Gerst, Oliva (Thor) Hester, and Trevor Gerst; great-grandchildren, Rhett and Mara Gerst, Oakleigh and Logan Gerst, Ezra Moncada, and Ruthie Hester; siblings, Ronald (Judy) Lane and Loretta (Steve) Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Richard's family will receive guests on Saturday, January 4 from 10-11:00 AM at the Myers Wedding Barn (18876 111th Ave, Sperry). A funeral service will conclude the visitation at 11:30 AM with Pastor Matt Yaley officiating. Richard wanted all of his friends and family members to enjoy a BBQ dinner after the funeral service, before the family takes him to his final resting place on the farm that he loved so much.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.