Obituary of Richard E Avery

Richard Eugene Avery, 76, of Kellogg, Iowa, passed away on July 15, 2023.

Rick Avery was born in 1947, to Homer and Maxine in Fairfield, Iowa.

In 1969, Rick met Joyce Paullus in Newton. Rick and Joyce were married and went on to have two children, Cynthia and Christine. Rick and Joyce divorced in 1996, but remained good friends through the years.

Rick began working at Maytag in 1967, and worked his way into the position of President of Union Local 997. For 30 years, Rick stood up for what was right and fought for the rights of all Local 997 employees. In 1999, Rick retired from Maytag. Once retired he loved to spend summers on a boat with a fishing pole in his hand, spring and fall in the outdoors with a shotgun in his hands hunting turkey, and winter with a remote in his hands or a home project relaxing at home. He also continued to serve his communities.

In 2003, Rick started at the Jasper County Sheriff's office, as a Transport officer, then transitioned to Civil Process Servicer. He retired in 2019, after more than 15 years of service. 

Rick served as mayor of Kellogg, Iowa, from 2000 until 2007 and again from 2021 until present. This was another chance for him to stand up and fight for those in his community. He served as Mayor until his death.

His heart belonged to Kelley Henning. His world and personality seemed a little brighter when she was around. They enjoyed spending time together. That was the highlight of his days.  He also had three special pups, Kay-tee, PaePae and Ziva.

Rick left this world a better place than he found it. Rick was a guy who came as he was. He was never apologetic for his political (democrat), work (union), personal (do what you think is right), or family viewpoints. You never wondered what he was thinking, and he wasn’t a man to mince words. This was inspiring for some, frustrating for others, and downright infuriating to the rest. But, no one will ever say they didn’t know where Rick stood or where they stood with Rick!

Rick was preceded by his parents; his grandparents, Earl and Edith Forney and Bert and Sadie Avery; and his brother, Gary, in infancy.

Those left to honor Rick’s memory include his daughters, Cyndi Avery (Jeff Weldon) and Chris (Kevin) Arend; his partner, Kelley Henning; his grandkids, Madigan Arend, Jace Weldon, Karsyn Arend; and his great grandkids, Jack Weldon, Julian Weldon, Amelia Weldon.

A time celebrating Rick’s life will be held from 5:00pm until 7:30pm, Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the Kellogg Fire Department.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Kellogg Volunteer Fire Department, an organization Rick felt strongly about.  Memorials may be left at the fire station or at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home.