Richard "Dick" Chorpening

Richard “Dick” Chorpening, 88, of Washington, passed Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024 at Halcyon House in Washington.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the Beatty-Peterseim Funeral Home in Washington. A private family burial will be held in Wayland. Family visitation will be held on Friday, April 5 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorials may be given in Dick’s name to Halcyon House.

Dick was born on Jan. 31, 1936, in Washington, IA; the son of Russell Francis and Zitta (Bush) Chorpening. He attended school in Washington County. Dick was united in marriage to the love of his life, Anna Jean Evans on Jan. 19, 1955. Dick was active in the Church and lived a Christ-centered life. He was employed as a farmer, mechanic, for Iowa DOT, and City of Wayland. After retirement he was known as “Mr. Dick the School-Bus Driver” for WACO School. He enjoyed Old Threshers, antique tractors, square dancing with Ann, and attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting and music events. Dick and Ann were also foster parents to over one hundred children and received a certificate of recognition by the Governor of Iowa.

Survivors include seven children: Mark Chorpening of Washington, Janie (Wendell) Davison of Riverside, Rick Chorpening of St. Petersburg, FL, Michele “Cheli” (Jeffrey) Morgan of Iowa City, Roberta (Dan) Smith of Ottumwa, Bob (Krista) Gaal of Washington, Jim (Tina) Conwell of Wayland; 19 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; sisters Arlene Wheeler of Iowa City, and Angela McKune of Seymour, MO.

Preceding Dick in death were his parents, wife Ann; sister Wilda Jean Reschley, brothers Russell Jr. and David, and son Eric Chorpening. 

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Halcyon House for their compassionate care of our Dad and also Hospice of Washington for their comfort.