Obituary of Herbert Paul Recker

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Herb Recker of Dyersville, Iowa passed away at home surrounded by his family, on January 2nd, 2024 after a courageous eleven month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. 

Visitation will be held from 2-8 pm, Monday, January 8th, 2024 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville. Visitation will continue from 9-10 am, Tuesday, January 9th, 2024 at the funeral home prior to funeral mass. Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 10:30 am at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, with burial in the church cemetery.

Herb was a loving husband, father and grandfather; his family was his greatest accomplishment. Survivors include his wife, Mary; sons, Jeff (Gabrielle) of Bellevue and their children Brody, Callie, Grace and Levi; Kevin (Katie) of Satellite Beach, FL and their children Billy and Molly; Nick (Kara) of Coralville and their children Casey, Elliott and Skylar; and Mike (Kim) of Dyersville and their children John, Rachel, Eve and Noah. Siblings: Richard (Mary Ann) of Dyersville; Robert (Kay) of Waterloo; and Rosann (Dave) Buchheit of Dyersville. In laws: Joan Recker of Dyersville; Sr. Janet Stelken PBVM of Dubuque; Linda (Wayne) Vorwald of Farley; Jack Dardis of Farley, Marlene (Dave) Hageman of New Vienna; Joyce (Pat) Portzen of Dyersville; Rick Stelken of Farley; Mark (Janet) Stelken of Dyersville; and Steve (Lynn) Stelken of Bankston. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Helen (Hirtz) and Florian Recker; his in-laws, Emil and Marian Stelken; his brothers, Tom in 1971, and Don in 2002; in laws, Bill, Todd, John (in infancy) Stelken, Joanne Dardis and Jolene Stelken.  

Herb was born March 2nd,1953 to Helen (Hirtz) and Florian Recker and grew up in the Sand Springs area. He attended St. Paul’s grade school in Worthington and graduated from Beckman High School in 1971. After graduating, Herb entered the Iowa National Guard where he served six years. At a dance in Dyersville, Herb met the love of his life, Mary Stelken. They would marry on September 13th,1975 and have 48 years of partnership in love, family and farming. Herb and Mary were blessed with four sons. Herb began farming on the home farm after graduation, eventually purchasing the farm and working the land with his family through his retirement in the fall of 2022. In 1993, Herb began working as a Pioneer Seed Sales Representative. He worked with many farmers on their seed and crop insurance needs over the years, building many positive relationships. He formed Recker Ag Services when his son Mike joined the business. Herb was a faithful man and an active member of the church for his entire life, where he was a Eucharistic minister, usher and a circle coordinator. Herb and Mary were active in their faith through Marriage Encounter and have continued to meet with a special group they called “SOS.” Herb and Mary enjoyed spending time with their family and friends, attending their grandchildren’s many events, touring across the country on their Goldwing motorcycle with a great group of friends, spending time at the Maples on Lake Delhi, traveling and taking Corvette rides. Herb was known for his dry sense of humor, generosity and kindness to others. He was always quick to help anyone in need. He was especially proud of his grandchildren.

The family is especially grateful for all the prayers, thoughts and acts of kindness during this past year. They would also like to thank the staff at MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center, including Dr. Morgan-Ihrig, the staff at UIHC and Hospice of Dubuque for their kindness and assistance during Herb’s illness.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Memorials may be sent to the family, (in care of Kramer Funeral Home) 750 12^th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA  52040.