Richard Doyle

Richard Linn Doyle, 83, of West Des Moines, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on December 10, 2022. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be planned for Spring 2023.

Richard was born January 16, 1939, on the family farm near Dayton/Lehigh to Claire and Helen (Linn) Doyle. In 1942, the family moved to Thompson, where they continued farming. He graduated from Thompson High School in 1956. Teaching and education were very important to Richard. He started his training at Waldorf College and later received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Buena Vista in 1962. He completed his master’s degree from University of Northern Iowa in School Administration and Supervision in 1965. He received his Doctorate in Educational Administration from Iowa State University in 1976.

Richard was a teacher, principal, and school administrator throughout his professional career. He retired in 2004 as the superintendent of Marshalltown Community Schools. Before he retired, he successfully passed a bond issue to improve the facilities and learning environment for students and teachers. He was passionate about supporting teachers and the arts and in 1995 received the State of Iowa Arts Administrator of the year award. He presented the topics of shared decision making, school improvement, and student achievement at numerous conferences and universities across the U.S. During four trips to Slovakia supported by the University of Northern Iowa, he taught educators about school management and administration in a newly democratic society.

During his youth, Richard was involved in Boy Scouts, FFA, music, and sports. He enjoyed spending time with his family at the lake, observing nature, fishing, gardening, hiking, delegating chores, and “puttering” with projects around the house. He loved animals and especially his dogs. During his entire life, he was involved in community service and his church. He enjoyed traveling to Florida, Mexico, and Carefree, AZ. Richard always enjoyed visiting with friends and family, especially over a cup of coffee, and made new friends wherever he went. His sense of humor and personality were strong qualities throughout his life.

Richard is survived by his wife, Cindy; his children, Monica (Don) Behning of Ames; Todd (Jessica) Doyle of Farmington, NM, and Matt (Jen) Doyle of Coralville; grandchildren, Nathaniel (Hannah Chalfant) Behning, Bryanna (Alec) Poczatek, Lauren Doyle, Braden Doyle and Haleigh Doyle; as well as Marilyn Doyle and numerous nieces, nephews and extended families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Mary Thorland, Charlotte Hamlin, Phyllis Hauan-Robinson, Dorothy Norstrud, Clarice Wubben, and Bill Doyle.

His family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Richard Deming, nurse Sylena, and the entire medical team at Iowa Methodist CCU.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Faith Lutheran Church in Clive or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com