Richard (Rick) Harrison Linn, 76, of Montezuma, died June 30, 2021, at his home. Rick, the son of Frank and Jewel Linn, was born June 12, 1945, in Bremerton, WA. He attended school in New Sharon and Montezuma. He graduated with the Montezuma Class of 1963. He went on to attend and graduate from Ellsworth Junior College. He then attended William Penn College. Rick and Shirley Wiley were married Sept. 4, 1966, in Malcom.
He enlisted with the National Guard in 1969. He served over 20 years and retired in 2005 as Sergeant First Class. Rick worked at Farmhand, Inc. of Grinnell and Vermeer of Pella. He retired from Vermeer in 2009 and continued to farm. Rick was a member of the Blakely-Stevens American Legion Post and also a member of the Knights of Pythias. Rick enjoyed farming and raising cattle. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. Rick was extremely proud of all six of his grandchildren. He attended the grandchildren’s musicals, plays, and sporting events, both locally and as far away as Eureka, MO; Kimble, MN; and Simpson College football games. He also made it to many of the sports his son Bill coached in Missouri.
Some of Rick’s favorite memories are 4-H Club, playing football with the Monte Braves, dancing on the show “Harris Hop,” Iowa Hawkeye football games, Iowa State Fair, and watching Old West movies such as “High Noon,” “Shane,” and “Audie Murphy.”
Rick is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children, Bill (Kimberly) Linn of Eureka, MO, and Lisa (Matt) James of Lynnville; his grandchildren, Jacob Linn of St. Louis, MO, Brennan and Anderson Linn of Eureka, MO, Haley James of Iowa City, and Aliya and Dawson James of Lynnville; his sister, Sandra (Dr. Paul) Poncy of Centerville; his sister-in-law, Carol (Frank) Helm of Montezuma; his brothers-in-law, Russell (Marion) Wiley of Cedar Falls, Steve (Jo) Wiley of New Sharon, and Dr. Mark (Zhen) Wiley of Brandon, MS. He has one surviving aunt, Katie Jones of Texarkana, AR, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Edgar and Abbie Gilbert and Eli and Bessie Wimsl; and his in-laws, Russell and Jeanette Wiley.
The family appreciates the wonderful care provided by Dr. Paulson and the Hospice of Unity Point of Grinnell.
Memorials may be directed to the Montezuma Methodist Church or the American Legion.
