Richard Koob

Richard “Dick” Koob, 88, of Silvis, Illinois, passed away on April 28, 2026, peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Cascade, Iowa, Dick was one of eight siblings and carried with him the values of family, hard work, and loyalty throughout his life. He lived most of his life in Dubuque, Iowa, where he became a familiar and friendly face to so many. Wherever he went, there always seemed to be someone who knew him and was glad to see him.

Dick married Grace Schlarmann in Worthington, Iowa, on June 9, 1958, and together they shared 67 years of love, partnership, and family. He was a proud father to Julie (Denis Charest) Snell of Spartanburg, SC, Cheryl (Steve) Nielsen of Moline, IL, Scott (Reenie) Koob of Fargo, ND, and Terrence Koob of Carbon Cliff, IL. He was also a cherished grandfather to 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, and took great joy in watching his family grow.

He worked at John Deere Dubuque Works for 36 years, where he built not only a career but also many lasting friendships over the years.

Dick enjoyed life’s simple pleasures and friendly competition. He was an accomplished bowler who proudly rolled 4 perfect 300 games, an achievement he treasured that earned him an induction into the Dubuque Bowling Hall of Fame. He was a coach for the Hawks in Dubuque’s Independent Baseball League and was inducted into the Independent League Baseball Hall of Fame. He also loved golfing, playing billiards, and sharing laughs with those around him.

Another of Dick’s greatest achievements was purchasing a century-old home and, alongside Grace, gutting it “to the studs” and rehabbing it into a grand family homestead. It became a place filled with warmth, memories, and gatherings that reflected the life they built together.

Known for being a true jokester, he was also stubborn in the most memorable way, firmly believing that anyone with the same last name had to be related.

He is survived by his loving wife, Grace; his children and grandchildren; and his brothers, Pat Koob and Dave Koob.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Leona Koob; his brothers, Robert, James, and Jerry Koob; his sisters, Mary Ann Keegan and Joan Koppes; his brother-in-law, Paul Krogman; and his sisters-in-law, Marlene Schlarmann, Patricia Casper, Star Schlarmann, Alice Koob, and Darlene Koob.

He will be remembered for his humor, his determination, the stories, and the laughter he shared with those lucky enough to know him. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Visitation will be held at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque, Iowa, on May 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., with mass beginning at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will immediately follow Mass. 

Family and friends can share memories and condolences on his tribute page at www.mvcremation.com.