Richard “Rick” Lee Foulk, 68, of La Porte City, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 4, 1958, in Waterloo, the son of William Wayne and Marjorie Charlene (Knipp) Foulk. Rick graduated from West High School in 1976. He then attended the Hawkeye Institute of Technology to become an electrician. He married Gail Schmitz in 1981, welcoming two sons together, and later divorced in 1992. In 2006 Rick met the woman he was destined to spend the rest of his life with, Madonna Hemesath. Rick and Madonna joined together in marriage on July 9, 2011, at the Izaak Walton League in Washburn. Rick worked for Cedar Valley Electric until his retirement in 2023.

Rick was known for many things in life – his charisma, humor, honesty, and authenticity. Rick was playful at heart, always quick to give out nicknames and jokes all with a twinkle in his eye. He had a way of making people feel at ease, taking an arms wide open approach to those he loved, and anyone in need. Rick’s relentless positivity also made him a great supporter and problem solver, and he was quick to lend these skills to the many that leaned on him over the years. He was a man of big smiles, deep laughs, and a desire to make others happy.

Rick was also known for his love of children (maybe because a part of him was still a kid at heart). When Rick’s boys were little, he took pride in taking them with him everywhere. When Rick was blessed with grandchildren, he took every opportunity he could to give them rides on any farm equipment he might be driving. Regardless of where he was going, or what he was doing, Rick always found time for the grandchildren.

Rick also enjoyed watching and playing sports throughout his life. In high school Rick was a talented wrestler at West High. Rick was also a devoted Iowa Hawkeye football and Green Bay Packer fan.

Rick had countless good qualities, and many different roles that he played throughout life, but above all, Rick was a farmer. Being a farmer was his calling, and along with his brothers, Rick dedicated his life to the legacy of the Foulk Family Farm.

Rick is survived by his wife, Madonna, of La Porte City; sons Ross (Morgan) Foulk of Evansdale and Dana (Jesi Tovar) Foulk of Denver, CO; step-daughter Holli (Dylan) White of Granger; step-sons Stuart (Allison) Hemesath of West Des Moines and Drew (Jasmien Clouse) Hemesath of Des Moines; grandchildren Riley Foulk, Tucker Foulk, Kensie (Adam) Lambert, Alex (Kira) Potts, Maelyn White, Henry White, Gracie White, Penelope Hemesath, and Camereon Hemesath; great-grandson Harley Thein; brother Randy (Deb) Foulk of La Porte City; and many other family members and friends. He was preceded by his parents, brothers Billy and Rod, and twin sisters Arlys Johnson and Marlys McDonald.

Visitation for Rick will be Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 3-8 pm at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo and an hour prior to the service on Friday. Funeral services will be Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:00 am at Locke at Tower Park. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.