- Born on: February 12, 1937
- Departed on: June 14, 2025
- Resided in: West Branch, IA
Richard "Dick" Stoolman
Richard “Dick” Stoolman, 88, of West Branch, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 14th, 2025. Born on February 12, 1937, in Glidden, Iowa, Dick graduated from Glidden High School before moving to West Branch, where he began his working life as a printer at the Iowa City Press Citizen.
On June 6, 1959 he was united in marriage to Dora Kephart. He is survived by his wife and four children: Kevin (Linda) Stoolman, Jodee (Amy Ryan) Stoolman, Todd (Missy) Stoolman, and Jeff (Katie) Stoolman.
Dick proudly served the West Branch Volunteer Fire Department for 58 years, including 40 years as Fire Chief. He was deeply committed to his community and always ready to lend a hand. Known affectionately as “Ripper” or “Dozer Dick,” he spent his career operating heavy equipment and had a passion for digging in the dirt.
A true Chevy man, Dick loved trading pickup trucks and could often be found chatting with friends at local dealerships—most often at Wiele Chevrolet.
He was a beloved and proud grandfather to eight grandchildren and great-grandfather to ten.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 22nd from 2–5 p.m. at West Branch United Methodist Church, 203 North Downey Street, West Branch. A private graveside service will follow.
Dick’s legacy of service and hard work will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Branch Firefighters Foundation.
