Obituary for Richard Emery Wuest

Richard Emery Wuest, 90, of Decorah, IA, passed away on March 3rd, 2025. A Memorial Service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah on Saturday, March 29th, at 1:30 pm with a coffee fellowship after the worship. There will also be a celebration gathering at Pulpit Rock Brewing Co. at 4:00 pm.

Richard was born on August 17th, 1934, to Donald and Fern (Lunde) Wuest in La Crosse, WI. He graduated from La Crosse Logan High School and went on to attend Luther College (Class of 1956) before furthering his education at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College. At Luther College, Richard was a proud member of the 1954 Corn Bowl Championship football team, which defeated Western Illinois University. In 1988, he was inducted into the Luther Norse Hall of Fame.

Richard is survived by his wife of 62 years, Glendalu (Fankhauser), whom he married in Mt. Pleasant, IA, on November 11, 1962. Together, they had four children: Scott (Deneen) of Branson, MO; Tracy Svestka (Galen) of Johnston, IA; Derek (Kathy) of Ft. Collins, CO; and KerryDon of Ft. Collins, CO. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Lindsi Hartsig (Rob) of Gilbert, AZ; Zachary of Branson, MO; Gannon Svestka (Chloe) of Des Moines, IA; Colby Svestka of Johnston, IA; and Carter of Phoenix, AZ. Richard’s family includes a nephew, Gregory (Renee) Wuest of Ankeny, IA; and a niece, Jennifer (John) Lawrynk of Stevens Point, WI. Richard also leaves behind twin great-granddaughters, Paisley and Laniey Svestka of Des Moines, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William T. Wuest (Mari) of Zephyrhills, FL.

Throughout his career, Richard made an indelible mark in the fields of coaching, administration, and education. He served at Monona-Farmersburg-Luana (IA), Knoxville (IA), Mt. Pleasant (IA), Iowa Wesleyan College (IA), Decorah (IA), and Luther College (IA). He was also an active member and past president of the Iowa Football Coaches Association and was honored in the Iowa Football Coaches Hall of Fame. A member of the Decorah Elks Club, Decorah Lions Club, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Richard also served his country in the U.S. Army.

As an assistant coach in Mt. Pleasant, Richard was part of an undefeated, untied, and unscored-upon team. Later, as head coach in Decorah, he guided his teams to numerous conference championships and saw many players earn All-State honors. Under his leadership, Decorah won four state championships (1974, 1987, 1988, and 1989). With a career record of 147-90, Richard dedicated his life to his teams and players, always ensuring they received the credit for their achievements. He proudly shared stories of their successes long after their playing days had ended, showing his deep commitment to their futures beyond the field.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Meals on Wheels (www.action.mealsonwheelsamerican.org/a/mowa-donation) or the Decorah Legacy of Champions Monument (www.gofundme.com/f/LegacyOfChampionsMonument).