08/15/2022
Richard Douglas Rees was born July 13, 1951, in Oskaloosa, Iowa the son of Carl and Frances (Rahlf) Rees.
Rich was raised in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School with the Class of 1969.
Following graduation, Rich worked for Hy-Vee. Rich was a member of the United States Naval Reserve and was called to active duty during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable discharge, Rich returned to Knoxville.
On June 1, 1973, he was united in marriage to Kathy Hoch. To this union two children, Kelsi Jo, and Derek Michael were born.
Rich worked for Strand’s Bread for a few years. When the 3M plant opened in Knoxville, Rich took a job there and eventually retired as an Industrial Engineer. He then returned to work at Hy-Vee, retiring in 2020.
In his spare time, Rich enjoyed traveling, scuba diving, the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Knoxville Raceway, and the Cubs. Rich’s greatest joy was his family of which he was extremely proud.
Rich passed away Monday, August 15, 2022, at the Pella Regional Health Center at the age of 71 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Robert, Tommy, Claudean Avon, Paul, and Marjory Andrews.
Those left to honor Rich’s memory include his wife, Kathy; daughter, Kelsi Jo (Todd) Chambers of Knoxville; son, Derek of Des Moines, granddaughter, Harper Chambers; grand dog, Jerry; sister, Nancy Good of Atlanta, Georgia and many other family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life for Rich Rees, age 71 of Knoxville, will be held Wednesday, September 7, 2022. Military Honors will be accorded at 4:00 p.m. at the Knoxville Raceway Infield, following which the family will receive friends until 7:00 p.m. at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum.