Rickey Dwayne Houser, age 72, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the MHP Serenity Hospice House in Oskaloosa. He was born on September 16, 1953, in Centerville, Iowa, the son of Merle and Lois (Wolver) Houser. Rick attended Oskaloosa High School and graduated with the Class of 1971. He was united in marriage to Carol Slechta, and to this union three children were born, Carrie, Cory, and Matt. Years later they divorced.
Following graduation, Rick started working at Pella Corp. where he worked for 44 years until retiring in 2018. He was a member of the First Assembly of God and served as a board member as well as being a Royal Ranger Leader for kids for over 20 years. Rick enjoyed woodworking, tinkering around in his garage, spending time outdoors and watching the birds. He was very active in his family’s sporting events and watching his grandchildren race. He also volunteered coaching little league softball for ten years. He loved helping other people and was especially dedicated to caring for his mother’s lawn as it became difficult for her to maintain. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Minnesota Twins fan. Faith and family were the center of Rick’s life, and he treasured the close friendship he had with his Savior Jesus Christ and his children.
His family includes his three children and their spouses, Carrie (Bruce) Kline of New Sharon, Cory (Lindsey) Houser of Des Moines, and Matt (Alesia) Houser of Oskaloosa; seven grandchildren, Ashton, Lilyann, Madison, Bentlee, Jase, Kade, and Kiah; one great grandchild, Koda and one on the way; two brothers, Dennis (Cathy) Houser of New Sharon, and Alan (Joleen) Houser of Eddyville; a sister, Sheryl (Bruce) VerSteegh of Rose Hill; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the First Assembly of God Church in Oskaloosa with Pastor Adam Rogers officiating. Burial will follow services at Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will begin on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with the family present from 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to Royal Rangers First Assembly of God Youth Program.
