Memorial

Richard “Dick” Whitmore, 79, of Hiawatha, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, with Unity Point Hospice at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, surrounded by the love of his family. Visitation will be held 4-7 PM, Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, October 8th at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Inurnment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Cedar Rapids.

Dick was born on November 27, 1946, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Gail and Eileen Whitmore. He grew up in Cedar Rapids, attending All Saints Catholic School and graduating from Regis High School. He went on to attend Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. 

With a strong work ethic and keen business acumen, Dick built a respected career in manufacturing, serving with LeFebure and later as Vice President of Manufacturing at Vector Corporation. Later in life, he transitioned into entrepreneurship as the owner and operator of Liberty Tax in Marion. Dick also co-owned a cabinetry business in Las Vegas alongside his best friend and business partner, Dave Duran. He always looked forward to his trips out west to visit Dave, check in on the company, and take in the sights of Las Vegas. 

Committed to public service and community stewardship, Dick served alongside the City Council of Hiawatha on the Planning and Zoning Committee. Following the devastating 2020 derecho, he dedicated his expertise and time to disaster recovery, working with FEMA to support local businesses as they navigated challenges, rebuilt, and reopened. 

On December 16, 1988, Dick married Betty Suthers, beautifully blending their families. Together, they shared a wonderful life filled with adventure, enjoying traveling and taking memorable cruises. Family remained the true center of Dick’s world. He took immense pride in raising his daughters and was a steadfast champion in all his children’s pursuits, from coaching basketball teams to offering continuous encouragement. As their family grew with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Dick was a faithful fan—attending as many athletic events, musical performances, school shows, or theater productions as possible. An avid golfer, he was always ready for an afternoon on the greens and spent countless autumn Saturdays cheering on his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. 

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Betty Whitmore; his daughters, Cary (Thomas) Smith of Robins, IA, and Jennifer (Brian) Uelze of Edwards, CO; his step-sons, Eric (Mindy) Suthers of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Brian (Jodi) Suthers of Martelle, IA; his cherished grandchildren, Ashley Smith, Jacob Smith, Gavin Smith, Brandon Smith, SrA Hunter Meier, Aspen Suthers, Brock (Brylee) Suthers, Ashlyn (Zach) Philipp, Sydney Suthers, Mason (Paige) Thompson and Adam Schmitt.; six great grandchildren; and his sisters, Sharon Tauke and Vicki Striffler, both of Cedar Rapids. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gail and Eileen Whitmore.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.