Richard Charles Warren

Like the changing seasons and the fields he faithfully tended, Richard “Dick” Charles Warren lived a life marked by hard work, steadfast faith and deep love for his family. After 89 abundant years, Richard passed peacefully on June 25, 2026 on the farm he proudly called home for six decades.

Richard was born on March 6, 1937 in Swede Grove Township to S. Ernest and Ella (Wagner) Warren. Raised in Forest City, he attended school through the eighth grade before beginning a lifetime of work with his hands and heart. He was baptized at the German Lutheran Church in Litchfield, later confirmed at St. Matthew's United Church of Christ in Forest City, where he remained a devoted member throughout his life.

In 1959, Richard answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. His military service took him to Germany where he served two years.

On December 30, 1961 Richard married the love of his life, Lois Ross. Together they built a life grounded in faith, family and farming. In 1966 Richard purchased Lois's family farm, where they raised their family and where he remained until his passing. The farm was more than his home—it was his life's work, a place where every sunrise promised another day's purpose.

Richard first worked as a carpenter before hauling can milk, and later bulk milk, throughout the countryside. Farming became his true calling in 1966. During that time he also worked as an A.I. Technician for ABS. Richard devoted himself to caring for the land and livestock until retirement. Even after stepping back, he found great joy in helping his sons whenever he could, always ready to lend a hand, share his wisdom, or simply enjoy another day in the field.

Like many who make their living from the land, Richard appreciated God's creation in every season. Whether casting a fishing line on a quiet lake, sitting patiently in a deer stand, watching his grandchildren grow, proudly showing dairy cattle at the county fair, or taking a leisurely ride around the farm on his four-wheeler, he found happiness in life's simple blessings. He also enjoyed making others smile and laugh through his creative bander and jokes.

Richard believed in serving his community as faithfully as he served his family. He dedicated his time to the Forest City Town Board, the St. Matthew's Church Council, the Forest City Creamery Board and the Meeker County Holstein Association, always working to strengthen the community he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, S. Ernest and Ella Warren; his siblings, Virgil Warren, Virgie Schultz Rosenow, and Gerald Warren; his son-in-law, Steve Heuer; and his beloved granddaughter, Peyton Geislinger.

Richard leaves behind a rich harvest of family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Lois; his children, John (Carol) Warren of Forest City, Mike (Cindy) Warren of Forest City, Deb Heuer of Litchfield, Darla (Bruce) Geislinger of Watkins, and Dawn (Tom) Jansen of Manannah; his cherished grandchildren, Jill (Aaron) Traut, Tyler Warren, Ashley (Luke) Nelson, Brandon (Margoux) May, Tanna Warren, Grant (Sam) Warren, Danielle Heuer, Patrick Heuer, Matt (Mara) Geislinger, Jordyn (Mitchell) Lease, Elle (Carter) Block, Nolan Geislinger, Reese (Brynna) Jansen, Halle Jansen, Luke Jansen and Whitney Jansen; 15 treasured great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbors and friends.

A farmer knows that every season has its purpose. Richard planted seeds of faith, integrity, laughter, and hard work that will continue to flourish through the generations that follow. Though his fields now rest, the legacy he cultivated lives on in the family he loved, the land he cared for and the countless lives he touched.

His was a life well sown, richly blessed and deeply loved.

A visitation will be held Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 12:00 - 4:00 pm at St. Matthew's United Church of Christ, Forest City. A Funeral Service will be Monday, July 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM with visitation starting at 10:00 AM at St. Matthew's United Church of Christ, Forest City. Inurnment will be in Forest City Cemetery