Richard Prey Obituary

Our family’s hero and rock, Richard “Dick” Leo Prey, 81, was welcomed into God’s Heavenly Kingdom and reunited with the love of his life on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at Edgewater in West Des Moines surrounded by family. A visitation will be held at Iles Westover Chapel on Sunday, November 19, 2023, from 4-6pm with a vigil service starting at 6pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in West Des Moines, with live streaming available, on Monday, November 20, 2023, at 11am with lunch to follow. The burial will take place at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines following the luncheon at approximately 2pm.

Dick was born on January 16, 1942, in Des Moines, IA to Leo and Lucille (Moore) Prey. He graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 1960 and from Iowa State University in 1965 where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Administration. Dick married Margaret Mary Irvin on June 19, 1965. They were the first couple to be married at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa. There are many stories of Dick hitchhiking back and forth from Ames to Des Moines to be with Margaret during college.

In 1965, Dick walked up the stairs at 711 High St. in Des Moines to begin his professional career as a Pension Administrator with Bankers Life Company (now known as Principal Financial Group). It was the only company he ever worked for. He retired in 2002 after 37 years as Executive Vice President of the Retirement Services Division. During that time, he enjoyed a 7-year assignment for a Principal subsidiary in Wilmington, DE, where he and Margaret met many lifelong friends. It has been made clear that he had a tremendously positive impact on many colleagues throughout his career. “I loved your Dad” is something that has been said many times over the years by those he worked with and had the opportunity to serve. Dick was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and served on several boards, including, the Holy Family School Foundation, Dowling Catholic High School Foundation, Des Moines Golf and Country Club, and EBRI (Employee Benefit Research Institute).

There was never a doubt as to Dick’s #1 priority: his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved coaching and attending his children’s sports and activities and always made time to support his family, even when his health made it difficult. He rarely missed his grandchildren’s activities and has left them with lasting memories of his love and personal guidance. He enjoyed attending sporting events in Baltimore and Philadelphia while living in Delaware and Iowa State football and basketball games with family when he and Margaret moved back to Iowa in 1996. Dick enjoyed traveling with family and playing golf in retirement. He made sure to coordinate trips so our family could enjoy time together. Some of his favorite and memorable destinations were Hilton Head Island, SC, Naples, FL and a very special trip to Ireland to see family and explore the “homeland”.

Dick will be missed by his son, Kelly Prey and his children, Jake, Zach and Sam; daughter, Michelle (Chad) Sheridan and their children, Joe (Kali), Luke (Sophie), Meghan and Mackenzie; great-granddaughter, Collins; brothers, Pat (Meta) Prey, and Kevin Prey; sister-in-law, Bette Prey, and brother-in-law Jim Streck; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Margaret Mary Prey; his parents; sisters, Mary (Bob) Parker and Janet Prey; and brothers, Jack and Mike Prey; and sister-in-law, Kathy Streck.

We’d like to thank the staff at Edgewater who provided him with wonderful care. There are so many of you who touched his life and that of his children. We will forever be in your debt. We would also like to thank the staff at Suncrest Hospice for their support in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dowling Catholic High School, Holy Family School Foundation or The Variety Club of Iowa. To view the livestream please visit: https://youtube.com/live/xv97CKA6m-4. To leave online condolences please visit www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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