Richard Bishop

Richard Allen Bishop, Randalia, Iowa, passed away in the early morning hours on Friday, January 3, 2020 at the age of 68 at his winter residence in Florida. Richard (Rich) was born on December 10, 1951 in Atlantic, Iowa to parents Richard Bishop, Sr. and Lois Jean (Juhl) Bishop. He graduated from Griswold High School in 1970 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Buena Vista College in 1974. He had a long career working in the agricultural field as a grain merchandiser, broker, and manager. He met his wife, Bonnie (Anderson) Bishop while attending Buena Vista College and they were united in marriage on June 14, 1975. On June 17, 1977, they were blessed with identical twin daughters, Jennifer and Jessica.

Rich enjoyed like and had a dry sense of humor and quick wit about him. He always enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed antique tractors and participated in a few tractor pulls. He especially liked his Oliver 88. While he and his family lived in Sioux City, Rich enjoyed his reenactments with the muzzleloader group. When a job took him to Colfax, Iowa Rich found a new hobby of smoking meats and was a member of the Kansas City BBQ Society and Iowa BBQ Society. He made his own meat rub recipe and prided himself in being an award winner for smoking ribs, chicken, pork butt, and brisket. After Rich retired, he decided to put his acreage in the bee pollinator program. Identifying the plants and seeing the wildlife was something he really enjoyed. He then became a bee keeper knowing how important bee pollination was for the environment.

Rich was a member of the little Randaliia United Methodist Church and loved the people there. He enjoyed the services, the pancake suppers, and the fellowship.

Rich is survived by his wife, Bonnie Bishop, daughters Jennifer and Jessica from Des Moines, brother Ken Bishop from Wiota, Iowa, sisters Barbara (Bill) Hirsch from Mineral Point, WI, and Carole Christensen from Adair, several nieces and nephews, and cousins. 

Preceding him in death were his parents Richard Bishop, Sr. and Lois Bishop.

A celebration of life will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 4 followed by a catered lunch at the United Methodist Church in Randalia, Iowa. There will be a visitation on Friday, April 3 at the church from 4:30 to 7 p.m.