Richard A. “Butch” Zummak, age 73, of Evansdale, IA died on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital of natural causes.

Richard Albert Zummak was born in Oelwein on August 19, 1943, the son of Albert Otto and Alice Mae Chase Zummak. Raised on a farm south of Westgate, Butch attended Fremont No. #7 through 8th grade and graduated in 1961 from Maynard of West Central High. He served in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1964, with one tour in Viet Nam; he felt it was an honor and duty to serve his country.

Butch married Barbara Jean Harriman December 5, 1964 at Maywood First Methodist Church in Waterloo.

He worked 2 years with the railroad, then worked 35½ years with John Deere & Co. retiring in 2001, and following retirement 15 years as a security officer at John Deere Engine Works through Allied Barton Security. He enjoyed cooking, flower gardening and yard work, along with fishing. He loved his family and friends and pet dogs, Penny and Mya – what wonderful friends.

Butch was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. He was an active Mason since 1978, he was also a member of Black Hawk Lodge #65 in Cedar Falls. He was Past Master of Waterloo Lodge #105, Past High Priest of Tabernacle #52, Past Illustrious Master of Crescent Council #16, Past Eminent Commander of Ascalon Commandery #25, Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of Iowa. He was Captain of the Little Fire Trucks and parade for 23 years, Past President of El Mecca Firehouse Gang, Past Watchman of Shepherds of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, and member of Knights Masons of the Green Degrees of Des Moines. Butch was a member of the Red Cross of Constantine St. Ignatius of Cedar Rapids, a life member of the Order of Thrice Illustrious Masters of the State of Iowa, a life member of the Order of High Priesthood of the State of Iowa, a life member of the Past Commanders Assoc. of the State of Iowa. Butch was the recipient of Knight of Ish-Sodi, Knights of the York Cross of Honor, recipient of the Knights Commander of the Temple. He was an Inspector and Instructor of the Ritual and Tacts of the Grand Commandery of the Knights Templar of the State of Iowa. Butch was also a member Evansdale AMVETS Post #31.

Survivors include his wife, Barb Zummak of Evansdale; a son, Allen Richard (Karen Siler) Zummak of Dunkerton; a daughter, Debbie Jean (Kathy Hill) Zummak of Nagaunee, MI; five grandchildren, David Murphy, Alexandria Zummak, Caleb Zummak, Tyler Zummak, and Allie Mae Zummak; a great-granddaughter, Bailey Zummak; and a sister-in-law, Kim Zummak of Litchfield, MN.

Butch was preceded in death by a grandson, Brendon Zummak; and two brothers, Clifton Zummak and Raymond Zummak.