Obituary for Ricky Lee Elkin

Rick Elkin was born May 24, 1948, to LaVerne and Lester Elkin in Oskaloosa, IA. Rick graduated in 1966 from Hedrick, IA. He attended Truman State University (Northeast Missouri State) and graduated with a bachelor’s in Education with a minor in History.

He met his wife Cathie at Truman State, and they married on September 20, 1969. Rick and Cathie have 3 wonderful children: Christopher (Carrie), Cari Anne, and Timothy (Corie). They loved spending time with all their grandchildren: Ashley, Eric, Alex, Brayden, Anna, and Clara and Carrie’s daughters, Amanda and Victoria. They also have 7 great grandchildren. Rick had one nephew (more like a brother), Randy (Diane) Mick.

Rick worked in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry most of his career. He and Cathie were transferred to Syracuse, NY for 3 years and spent 2 years in San Jose, CA during his time with Eli Lilly. This was a wonderful experience, but thankfully, they moved back to Iowa with their family and friends….there’s no place like home!

Rick had a love/hate relationship with golf, and we’re sure most have some “memorable” stories to share about him on the course. He enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada and once to Alaska. Rick and Cathie loved spending time with their boys going to Nisswa, MN and staying at Cathie’s parents’ cabin on Lake Margaret. They also enjoyed many trips to Hawaii with their family/friends, sales quota trips during his career, and several cruises with their great group of friends.

During his retirement years, he was a courier with Cardinal Health, Unity Point, and doing car runs for Gregg Young. Rick and Cathie also spent a lot of time traveling to watch their grandchildren play baseball and volleyball. Rick was a volunteer firefighter with the Norwalk FD and was a member of the Mobile Nobles, Masons, and Norwalk Christian Church. He also enjoyed the fellowship and friendship with his Interchange Breakfast Club.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Les and LaVerne Elkin and his sister/brother-in-law, Jacquie and Chuck Mick.

Rick will always be remembered by his family and friends (even if he met you once) by his jokes and sense of humor. He had many small world stories and never met a stranger.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 24 with visitation beginning at noon and service at 2:00 p.m. at the Norwalk Christian Church. Memorials may be made to Norwalk Christian Church, 701 Main St., Norwalk, IA 50211.