Richard Lee Hay, age 67, of Oakland, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

Per Richard's wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life Graveside service will be held at the North Lawn Cemetery in Fort Dodge, Iowa at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family for a later designation between the Webster County Parks and Pheasants Forever.

The Rieken Funeral Home in Oakland is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.riekenfuneralhome.com.

Richard was born on December 21, 1956, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and was the son of Robert, Sr. and Delores (Polkinghorn) Hay. He attended school at Fort Dodge Senior High and graduated with the High School Class of 1974. He then furthered his education at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, receiving his bachelor's degree in wildlife biology. He worked for the Department of Natural Resources for a short time before moving to Oakland. He was employed with the Soil Conservation Service in Oakland for several years, Sides & Associates and later HGM & Associates both in Council Bluffs, Iowa, as a land surveyor until he retired in September of 2017.

On August 2, 1986, he was united in marriage to Jolene Fritz at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oakland. They were blessed with two daughters, Allison and Lisa. Richard was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oakland. In his spare time, he loved bird watching and enjoyed traveling and cherished the memories of the many trips.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister-in-law Bonnie Hay.

Richard is survived by his wife Jolene Hay of Oakland, Iowa; two daughters, Allison and husband Daniel Lindzy, and Lisa Hay all of Omaha, Nebraska; two grandchildren, Boston and Londyn Allen both of Omaha; brother Robert Hay, Jr. of Council Bluffs, Iowa; nephews, other relatives and friends.