C. Richard Hannan

Richard Hannan, 66, of Oelwein, Iowa died on Saturday evening, February 7, 2009 at his home surrounded by family and friends after a hard fought battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 A.M. Saturday, February 14, 2009 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oelwein, with Rev. Harry Koelker officiating.
Visitation: 2:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday and from 8:30 to 9:30 A.M. on Saturday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Oelwein.
Parish Scripture Service: 7:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home.
Interment: Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein, Iowa.
Memorials may be directed to the family at P.O. Box 29, Oelwein, Iowa 50662.
Obituary online at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.

Clement Richard Hannan was born on July 18, 1942 at Oelwein, Iowa, the son of Clement Michael & Margaret Jane (Oakes) Hannan. Richard attended the Stanley School where he excelled in basketball, softball, cheerleading and baton twirling. The family then moved to Oelwein where Rich played basketball at Sacred Heart High School and graduated from Sacred Heart in 1960. In 1958 Rich started work at Mike's IGA in Oelwein and later became the store manager. In 1962 Rich began dating his sweetheart, Linda Jean Whitaker, and they were united in marriage on April 10, 1965 at Oelwein, Iowa. Rich & Linda were blessed with two sons, Mark and Tim. Rich continued to work at Mike's IGA for 30 years until it closed in 1988. Rich was a man who built people up and didn't tear them down. He gave many people their first job and as a mentor, he had a special way of developing their skills that would help them throughout their lives and careers. Rich then worked at Duffy's Shoes in Oelwein for a short time. In 1989 Rich began work at the Mental Health Institute at Independence and worked there as a resident psych worker until he was not able to work due to his health. Rich's love, compassion and kindness never took a day off. His smile could brighten anyone's day. One of Rich's lifelong hobbies was purchasing antiques and collectibles that led to his dream of opening his own business, Cozy Cottage Antiques.

Rich was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the AFSCME Union at MHI. He was an avid Iowa football and basketball fan. Rich was a Denver Bronco's fan and enjoyed attending their games. He also enjoyed horseback riding and mountain climbing in Colorado. Rich was always ready for playing cards, board games or traveling with friends. He loved to find treasures in life. Among Rich's treasures were his wife, sons, grandchildren and extended family, as well as his antiques and collectibles. Rich had a tremendous sense of humor and loved to laugh and smile. When he was with others he inspired laughter to ring throughout everyone's hearts. Rich uplifted every person that he encountered. He was a very passionate and honest man. Rich always took one day at a time and tried to not live in the past. His non-judgmental attitude lent him to be a loving and forgiving person. Rich always said that we should try to understand and renew relationships so that we could all have a brighter future. He had a strong will to live and was someone who inspired and touched many lives. Rich's greatest love was for his granddaughters, the time they shared together means more than words could ever say.

Rich is survived by his Wife: Linda Hannan of Oelwein;
2 Sons: Mark Hannan of Greenville, Illinois & Tim Hannan of Des Moines;
3 Granddaughters: Ashley Hannan (fiancee: Shawn Nolan) of Cedar Falls,
Alyssa Hannan and Taylor Hannan both of Mason City;
Great Grandson: Rylee Hannan Nolan of Cedar Falls;
6 Sisters: Mildred (George) Smith of Waterloo,
Elaine (Nick) Britten of New Auburn, Wisconsin,
Kay Bouck of Oelwein,
Karen (Robert) Lamphier of Fayette,
Marge Miller of Oelwein &
Janet (Bill) Rhoades of Maynard;
4 Sisters-In-Law: Virginia Hannan of Denver,
Debbie Hannan of Fairbank,
Pat Hannan of Oelwein &
Helen Hannan of Oelwein;
Extended Family: Angela (Craig) Scardina of Penn Grove, California,
Brenda (Rob) Smith of New Hartford, Iowa,
Eric (Becca) Whitaker of Coralville &
Kelly (Chris) Van Fosson of Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri;
And their children: Mya & Eli Whitaker,
Tyler, Dylan, Holly & Haley Van Fosson and
Brittaney, Anthony & Isabella Scardina;
Special Family: Duane (Gail) Whitaker of Portage, Indiana, Ruth (Rickey) Smith of Oelwein and
Steven Whitaker of Oelwein;
Nieces & Nephews; Great Nieces & Nephews and Great Great Nieces & Nephews.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents and 4 brothers: James, Joseph, David & Wayne and a nephew: Mike Smith.