Richard Allan Zeien

richard zeien

Richard Allan Zeien age 62 of New Hampton passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from complications of PSC (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis) Liver Disease from ulcerative colitis.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 31, 2025 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton with Rev. James Goerend presiding.  Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at the funeral home.  Visitation continues an hour prior to the service on Friday.

641-394-4334.

Richard Allan Zeien, born on June 21, 1962, in New Hampton, Iowa, passed away surrounded by love and family. The son of Francis and Rita (Reicherts) Zeien, Richard’s life was a testament to the values of hard work, devotion, and love for family and friends.

Richard grew up on the family farm, where he developed his strong work ethic and love for the outdoors. He graduated from New Hampton High School in 1981, where he was active in FFA and built the foundation for his lifelong dedication to his family.

In October 1981, Richard married Renae Anderson, and together they welcomed three sons: Bobby, Chad, and Jeremy. Though their marriage later ended, Richard found love again with Sharon Dreckman, whom he married in April 2004. Sharon’s son, Michael, became one of Richard’s own, and together they added two more sons, Marshall and Logan, to their blended family.

Richard worked many jobs over the years, each showcasing his determination and adaptability. He ran the Ionia Locker for a time, worked at Great Plains, and eventually found his long-term career with Mick Gage Plumbing & Heating. What started as a temporary job turned into a 34-year commitment, during which Richard often joked with Mick that he was still “trying it out” even after decades of dedicated service.

Outside of work, Richard cherished life’s simple joys. He loved fishing trips and camping in Minnesota, spending peaceful moments outdoors with his family. Whether working on cars, woodworking, or just enjoying time in the garage, Richard found joy in hands-on projects. He also treasured quiet evenings by an open fire, finding relaxation in the warmth and stillness.

One of Richard’s greatest joys was becoming “Papa.” His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them—camping, fishing, sharing stories, and teaching them the tricks he had learned over the years. Their hugs, laughter, and “Hello, Papa!” greetings brought him immense happiness, as did the affection from the many daycare children who grew to adore him.

Richard’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and a steadfast dedication to those he held dear. He will be remembered for his kind heart, infectious humor, and unwavering commitment to his family and community.

Richard is survived by his wife Sharon Zeien of New Hampton; six sons, Bobby (Abby) Zeien of Manchester, Chad (Joelle) Zeien of Jerico, Jeremy (Marva) Zeien of Waverly, Michael (Nikki) Dreckman of New Hampton, Marshall Zeien of New Hampton, Logan Zeien of New Hampton; eleven grandchildren, Mackenzie, Abigail, Parker, Calyb, Charleigh, Milo, Tyson, Kamryn, Emma, Braxton, Adaline; mother, Rita Mae Zeien of Elma; three brothers, Leon (Linda) Zeien, Lenny Zeien, Randy (Vickie) Zeien; two sisters, Luann Heying, Sandy (Joe) Attelson; in-laws, Robert Dreckman Jr, Roger (Carla) Dreckman, Rich (Mary) Dreckman, Susan (Henry) Straight, Russel (Pat) Dreckman, Raymond Dreckman, Shirley (Chris) Brinkman, Ron (Rhonda) Dreckman, Sara (Chris) Onken, Stacie Dreckman; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Francis Zeien; brother-in-law, Ken Heying; two nephews, Jeffrey Dreckman, Austin Onken; in-laws, Robert and Mary Dreckman.

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  1. Sharon, you and your family have my deepest sympathy. He fought a hard fight and now he is in peace. Hugs and prayers to all of you. 🙏

  2. Sincere sympathy to Sharon and the kids. Richard fought a hard fight against that terrible disease. We so enjoyed visiting with him when he would stop in the treasure chest.Mayhe rest in peace.

  3. Our sincerest condolences to Richard’s family. We will keep Richard and his family in our prayers.

  4. Sharon and Family,
    Sending our love and prayers. Rich was a wonderful neighbor and will be missed by all. May he rest in peace.

    • Our condolences to you and your family, Sharon. May memories of happy times sustain you into the future. Dan and Carolyn Shaw

  5. Sharon and family, I was and am so sorry to learn of Richard’s passing. I do pray that the memories you share of the life you, your sons and the entire family had with him will give you comfort. I know they are many. It is not an idle prayer… I know memories can help you bear the loss. God bless you.

  6. Thoughts and Prayers are with the family. May GOD provide you comfort and strength during this hard time. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

  7. Sharon and Family. we were saddened to hear of Rich’s passing. He put up a hell-of-a-fight! May he rest in peace now. Thinking of you all.

  8. Sympathy and prayers for Sharon and family. Rich was one of the good guys and will be missed by many. He suffered long enough.

  9. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time🙏💔✝️. He was a great guy and suffered long enough 🙏

  10. Sharon and boys, so very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Richard was always so helpful to my mom when he was working for Gage plumbing and heating!

  11. Rest in peace, always a fun time in high school with this guy. Extremely sad to see an illness take a good person..

  12. Our deepest condolences to Sharon, Bobby, Chad, Jeremy, Michael, Marshall, Logan and extended families. Richard was a great family man and brother. He will be missed.

    • My deepest condolences to all of Richard’s family and friends. Although I lived across the U.S. and didn’t see him much, he was always one of my favorite uncles. I know he will be missed by all.

  13. My deepest condolences. I spent limited time with Richard, but his playful and joking nature was what I looked forward to most when visiting family. I vividly recall when he and his family spent time in Arizona and stayed with us. He was so lighthearted, great at teasing me and cracked jokes about almost using the dog shampoo in the shower. May he rest in peace.

  14. Sandy – I am so sorry for the loss of your brother Richard. May your memories comfort you in the days ahead. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

  15. My deepest sympathies to Sharon and Richard’s family and friends. He will be missed and his memory will live on.


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