Glen Richard ‘Rich’ Cross

Glen Richard “Rich” Cross passed away on June 10, 2013, at Skiff Medical Center in Newton with his loving family by his side.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Baxter. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the Congregational United Church of Christ. Burial will be at a later date in Restland Cemetery in Baxter.

Glen Richard “Rich” Cross was born on April 2, 1930, on the family farm near Ira to Glennavere (Castor) and Denver Cross. He attended the Spring Hill School and the school at “Old Baxter”. Rich married Beverly Gae Decker on June 5, 1949, in Marshalltown. They recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.

He joined the Navy on Jan. 8, 1952, and was stationed in Puerto Rico where Beverly joined him until his discharge on Feb. 10, 1954. After serving his country, he returned to his professions as a brick layer and radio and TV repairman. He spent the last seven years of his bricklaying career restoring the stone work on the state capitol building in Des Moines. He was well known for his ingenuity and ability fix almost anything, which he often did for others, rarely accepting payment. Rich had several hobbies in his life. He loved to hunt morel mushrooms with his lifelong friend, Bud Allan. He enjoyed photography and developing his photos. He enjoyed metal detecting and blacksmithing. He was an active member of the local American Legion Post #493. He was also a member of several local and national Blacksmith Associations. He took joy in feeding the birds and chipmunks in the backyard. He was a Ham radio operator. He maintained his sense of humor to the very end and kept the family laughing.

Rich is survived by his wife, Beverly; daughter Joellen; son Steven (Kristine); five grandchildren, Racheal, Lindsey, Sara, Michael and Elena; and two great-grandchildren, Thea and Astrid. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Velma; brothers Denver, Kenneth and Bill; infant daughter Nancy; and infant son John.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Fredregill Family Funeral Home in Baxter has been entrusted with the care of Rich and his family.