Richard Wells

Richard James Wells, 73, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 29, at Unity Point Hospice after a 5 year battle with cancer. Rick was born on September 24, 1951, to Richard Pierce and Patricia (Miner) Wells.

After graduating from East High School in Waterloo, class of 1969, Rick served his country during three duty tours in Vietnam from 1969 to 1972. Upon returning home, he went to work for John Deere and Company, retiring in 2000.

Rick met Susan Schell in 1991, and they married in 1995. They later divorced, but remarried in 2017 and spent the remainder of his time enjoying camping, hunting, and fishing.

Rick was an avid hunter and fisherman. His favorite thing was spending time in his goose hunting blinds with many hunting buddies, nephews, great-nephews, and great-nieces. He loved passing on the enjoyment of hunting to those around him.

In 2022, Rick’s interest in antique John Deere tractors was rekindled and he bought a 1941 John Deere B tractor. Along with friends, he built that tractor up to compete in several antique tractor pulling competitions here in Iowa.

Rick is survived by his wife, Sue of Waterloo, daughter, Leslie (Luke) Sarauer of Evansdale, granddaughter, Linkin Sarauer of Evansdale, sister, Jill (Dennis Cooley) of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, brothers, Jeff Pierce of Waukon, and Greg (Denise) Pierce of Waterloo, sister, Darcy Pierce of Calmar, along with several nieces and nephews and families.

Rick was preceded in death by father, Richard Pierce, mother, Patricia Wells, step-father, Jerry Wells, and brother, Jack Schons.

A celebration of life will Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at the Cedar Falls Amvets, 1934 Irving St., Cedar Falls.