Richard L. Droste, 62, of Waterloo died Sunday, July 29, 2007 at Covenant Medical Center as a result of an accidental drowning. Rich was born April 9, 1945 in Waterloo, Iowa the son of LaVern N. “Red” and Eleanor “June” Graham Droste.

Rich graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1963. He married Pamela S. Steffen September 15, 1979 in Waterloo.

Rich will be remembered for his enthusiastic love of life, family, and friends. He touched so many lives with his gift of bringing out the best in everyone he knew. Anyone that came in contact with Rich took something from him.

He was an accomplished business man starting with the “Wilderness Retreat” outdoor sporting goods store to his most recent pride “Droste Auto & Glass”.

His zest for the outdoors was most evident when he created his dream home on an acreage that he shared with so many. His outdoor activities included bicycling, kayaking, white water canoeing, camping, winter vacations to the Caribbean, and simply spending time maintaining his acreage.

His physical fitness was important to him. He enjoyed lifting weights, cycling, swimming, and had competed in triathlons to keep in the best shape.

Words can not express what a loving husband, father, family man, and friend he was to all. We’re all proud of him and he will be greatly missed and can never be replaced!

Rich is survived by his wife Pam of Waterloo, children and grandchildren: Stewart Droste, his wife Danielle of Waterloo and their children Lindsey and Cameron; Brad Droste, his wife Jean of Center Point and their children Emily and Katie, Missy Shelton of Cedar Falls and her children Dylan and Alyson. He is also survived by his father Red of Waterloo, brother Steve Droste and his wife Roxy of Waterloo, and nieces and nephew Kodi, Kali, and Tyler. Rich is preceded in death by his mother.

Friends who wish may direct memorials to Hartman Reserve Nature Center.