05/06/2022
Richard Martin Brees, age 71, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away at his residence, on Friday evening, May 6, 2022.
Visitation for Richard will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Knoxville from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. with his family present to greet friends and relatives.
Following visitation, a Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. Burial, with military honors will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville.
Richard was born on January 2, 1951, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the son of James and Betty (Goodwin) Brees. Richard was raised in Knoxville and attended Knoxville High School. Following high school, Richard joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country.
Following his time in the service, Richard became employed at the V.A. Hospital in Knoxville as a nursing assistant from 1976 to 1993. Richard was united in marriage to Cynthia Allen, and they were blessed with one son, Cory. Cynthia passed away on February 16, 2014.
Richard enjoyed bird watching and loved listening to music (his favorite was the Beach Boys). Richard was a longtime member at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Knoxville.
Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Cory Brees of Knoxville; siblings, Barb Backus, Janet Houser, Jim Brees, John Brees, Carla Blauhghah, Julie Sorenson, and Paula Sorenson. Richard is also survived by his grandchildren, Andrea Brees, Ayden Brees, and Addison Brees; also, his best friend (his dog Eva).
Richard is preceded by his parents, James and Betty Brees; wife, Cynthia Brees; and brother, Robert “Bob” Brees.