Richard "Rick" Rouse Obituary

In Loving Memory
Richard "Rick" D. Rouse
August 20, 1955 - July 14, 2024

VISITATION
Friday, July 19, 2024
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

SERVICE
Saturday, July 20, 2024
11:00 A.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CLERGY
Pastor Sarah Strohman

INURNMENT
St. John's Catholic Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa

Richard Dean Rouse, son of Earl and Mary Ann (Simington) Rouse, was born August 20, 1955, in Emmetsburg, Iowa. He received his education at Mallard High School, graduating in 1974. 

On October 18, 1975, Rick was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Debora Leonard at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Emmetsburg. They were blessed with three children: Danielle, Travis and Shilo. 

Rick was known for his work ethic. He worked for Farm Service and then took on the Rouse Century farm. While farming, he also had a Crow’s Seed Dealership. After leaving the family farm, he went to work for Eaton’s, where he later retired from. 

Rick was a hardworking man who exemplified many traits that he passed along to his children. Rick was a jack of all trades. He enjoyed tinkering on many projects for his kids and grandkids. Always having recreational vehicles for the kids to play on around the farm. While living on the farm you would find him either farming tirelessly, enjoying riding his motorcycle or working with his horses. He loved watching westerns and listening to country classics. Above all, Rick loved spending time with those he loved most, his family. 

Rick peacefully passed away, Sunday, July 14th, 2024, with his family by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Mary Ann Rouse; sisters-in-law, Shirley Petersen and Jeanette Cooke; and brothers-in-law, Ken Cooke and Tom Leonard. 

He is survived by this wife, Deb of Emmetsburg, Iowa; his children, Danielle (Bill) Ward of Boone, Iowa, Travis (Melanie) Rouse of Emmetsburg, Iowa, and the best for last Shilo (Curt) Miller of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; eight grandchildren, Peyton, Trysten, Ethan, Cole, Owen, Emerald, Aurora & Griffin. His siblings Ray (Linda) Rouse of Emmetsburg, Iowa; Janet (Fred) Zwiefel of Richmond, Minnesota, Ron Rouse of Mapleton, Minnesota, Roger (Marilyn) Rouse of Algona, Iowa, Jeanne (John) Loughry of Des Moines, Iowa, and Julie (Matt) Meredith of Wilder, Idaho. Along with his in-laws Delbert Petersen of Estherville, Iowa; Pat (JoAnn) Leonard of Aurora, Colorado; Sue Leonard of Emmetsburg, Iowa; Gary (Sandy) Leonard of Emmetsburg, Iowa; Mike Leonard, special friend Jennfier, of Spencer, Iowa; Annette (Rich) Gilman of Golden, Colorado along with many other relatives and numerous friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home.