Richard Duane Masteller

After a long, full life Richard Duane Masteller of Littleton, Colorado died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.  Dick was born on his parents’ farm near Jesup, Iowa and helped his family work the farm through high school.  He got his degree in Chemical Technology from Iowa State University, working summers on the railroad.  At Iowa State he met Mildred Muckler of Gilman, Iowa, and they married in 1953 while Dick served in the Air Force.  Dick and Mil celebrated 66 years together!

Dick and Mil settled in Littleton, where they raised six children.  Dick was a great provider who encouraged his children to get outdoors, get education, and develop a strong and balanced work ethic while pursuing their own interests.  He led the family into skiing, hiking, jeeping, birding, backpacking, travel and large family gatherings with lots of fun and food.  Dick and Mil were avid bridge players and always ranked right at the top of their bridge club.

Dick worked 33 years in the aerospace industry as a materials engineer for Martin Marietta Corporation.  He worked hard, but always made time for family and friends.  Dad enjoyed projects around the house, yard or mountain cabin, and he relished helping others with their projects.  Early in his life Dick developed an interest in birds, National Geographic magazine and reading (but only non-fiction).  He was a voracious reader, and his collection of National Geographic magazines was only a few issues shy of being complete back to 1888.  In his later years Dick expressed great concern for the “world we are leaving our grandkids.”

Dick is survived by his wife Mildred, children Diane Siegele (Bill), Mark Masteller (Judy), Mary Masteller, Phyllis Anderson (Terry) and Jan Johnson (Brad), 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, and his sister Elsie.  He is predeceased by his son DJ, his sister Shirley and his brother Bill. 

A celebration of his life will be held later this year for family and friends.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Audubon Society, Nature Conservancy, Porter Hospice, Suncrest Hospice, or your local hospice.

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