John R Rich

Obituary for John Robert Rich

Kalona, IA – John Robert Rich, 45, the son of Kenneth and Clareen (Arnold) Rich, passed peacefully on Monday, November 29, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Palliative Care Center from complications of Hemochromatosis.

John was born November 21, 1976, in Van Nuys, CA. He lived in North Hollywood, CA till he moved to Kalona, IA on October 1, 2000, with ex-wife Lori and his two wonderful sons, James and Alexander. He was so excited to leave behind the big city and move to the beautiful country just so he could be with extended family. The best thing in his life was meeting his wife, Kimberly. They were united in marriage on August 4, 2012. He gained two beautiful stepdaughters Madison and Annelisse. His family was now complete.

John completed his Associates Degree from Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, IA. He worked in the Iowa City/Coralville corridor throughout his life. Before his passing he was employed with Sedgwick in Coralville; he loved working with his team members.

Besides a deep love for his family and grandchildren, John had many hobbies he loved: he was an avid musician/bass player, a member of the Tiny House of Worship team ReUnite, loved cooking, BBQing, woodworking, and attending concerts. And if you knew John well, you knew he LOVED Thai food!

John was diagnosed with Hemochromatosis in January 2004. He lived life to the best of his physical ability. He never complained, he never asked for special treatment, he never let his health issues stop him. It was hard to watch his life from the outside knowing how relentless the disease was on his overall health. 

Though he had severe health issues, that was not what you noticed when you looked at this man. You saw courage, strength, musician, prayer warrior. He had extreme love for his family and for people. He was, and will remain, a mighty fighter who lived life loving all of us around him. He was the light that brightened your day, he was the friend that never left your side. John was who he was on this earth because of his love for family, friends, and the Lord.

His family who continue to love him in remembrance is his wife, Kimberly Rich of Washington, IA; sons, James (fiancé Kylie) Rich of Oskaloosa, IA, and Alexander Rich of Marion, IA; stepdaughters, Madison (fiancé Dane) Roller of Oskaloosa, IA, and Annelisse Roller of Melbourne, FL; grandchildren, Anastasia, Pyper, and Luke; sister Rachelle (Ron) Blackwell of Kalona; nephews Jonathan Ortiz-Rich of Venice, CA, and Taylor Hansen-Rich of Kalona, IA; niece Makensie Hansen-Rich of Kalona, IA; grandniece Naviah Rich-Aeto, Las Vegas, NV; grandmother L. Jeane Fry of Washington, IA; mother-in-law Judy Moyer of Burlington, IA; brother-in-law Shawn Moyer of Oskaloosa, IA; sister-in-law Michelle Jarrard of West Liberty, IA; parent-in-laws Pat and Hal DeJong of Eagle, ID. As well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Rich (2021), Clareen Rich (2017), father-in-law Donald Moyer (2016), Grandmother Clareen Arnold (2015), Grandfather Walter Rich (1979), as well as three aunts, one uncle, two cousins and two step grandfathers.

Kim and the family would like to thank all the Health Care providers that journeyed with John through the last 18 years of health issues.

And a special heart felt thank you to Dr. Soltys and Dr. Sauer of the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, as well as the Hospice Compass team. We are the ones blessed that you were in our lives, if even for a moment such as this.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 4:00 pm, April 2, 2022 at the Corner Stone Community Church, Kalona. Messages and tributes may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com. Yoder-Powell Funeral Home is caring for John and his family.