P. Richard Horak

P. Richard Horak

Washington

P. Richard Horak, age 86, of Washington, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Halcyon House, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Bernie Weir officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at the Elm Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., where the family will be present to receive friends. A Rosary will be recited at 1:30 p.m. prior to the visitation. Memorials have been established for Hospice of Washington County and St. James Catholic School Foundation. Online condolences may be sent for Dick’s family at www.jonesfh.com.

Dick was born on January 26, 1939, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Paul Richard Horak Sr. and Alida VanderVennet. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and proudly served in the United States Army. On June 22, 1963, he was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Lorbiecki in Greenbush, Minnesota.

Except for his college years, Dick was a lifelong resident of Washington. He owned and operated Horak Insurance for 36 years, retiring in 1998. Dick was a devoted member of St. James Church, serving on the Parish Council and as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was active in the community, serving as President of the Washington Chamber of Commerce and as a longtime Chamber Ambassador. He was also involved with the Jaycees and Noon Kiwanis. Dick served on the Washington City Council, Federation Bank Board for 10 years, and the Eastern Iowa REC Board. He was active in the Iowa Insurance Marketing Group as well.

Dick and Barb loved to travel and spend time outdoors. Dick especially enjoyed camping, boating, and hunting – always looking forward to Deer Camp with his close friends. Spending time at Table Rock Lake and at the farm in Columbus Junction brought him joy, and above all else, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Dick was well known by all for his unique sense of humor.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Barb of Washington, Iowa; and their five children: son, Paul (Lynn) Horak of Washington, Iowa; daughter, Mary Pat (Dan) Hawley of Mequon, Wisconsin; daughter, Sarah (Jim) Moses of Springfield, Missouri; son, David (Stephanie) Horak of Urbandale, Iowa; and son, Luke (Suzanne) Horak of Washington, Iowa. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren: Mary Kate, Owen, Claire, Ian, Erin, Grace, Mackenzie, Gabrielle, Madalyn, Casaundra, Garrett, Eleanor, Brennan, Evan, Drew, Lauren, and Emma; and seven great-grandchildren; along with his brother, Tom (Marsha) Horak of Washington, Iowa.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Jerry and Timothy.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Halcyon House and Hospice of Washington County for their compassionate care.