Harold Rycroft's Obituary
Fenton Harold “Harry” Rycroft passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at the Summit in Bettendorf, Iowa, at the age of 85. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and who was loyal to those he knew and loved.
Memorial Services will be 10:30am, Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church – Camanche. Burial will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:30am to the service time at the church. Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory in Camanche is assisting the family.
Harry was born on November 26, 1939, in Greenfield, Oklahoma, the son of Fenton and Irene (Brewer) Rycroft. He grew up on the family’s farm in Greenfield and graduated from Greenfield High School in 1958.
Harry attended Southwest State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma, and began teaching and coaching junior high school students in Marshall, Oklahoma, after completing school. He came to the Camanche area at the recommendation of his friend, Jeff Keeley, and continued teaching junior high mathematics. In addition to his educational duties, Harry also coached junior high wrestling and football.
He married Sarey Gifford on October 1, 1973. Together, they raised three children while residing in their Camanche home: Barbara, Charles, and Lynn.
Known for having an insatiable sweet tooth, “Papa,” as he was affectionately called, could often be found enjoying delectable delights such as Peanut M&Ms and Snickers. Harry also liked socializing with friends and family and spending time on the Mississippi River on the family’s boat.
Harry is survived by his wife, Sarey, and his brother, R.G. He is also survived by his children, Barbara (John) Harlson, Charles (Joan) Gifford, and Lynn Gifford (John Jaglowski); his grandchildren: Jill Gifford, Brooke Gifford (Dave Striegel), Erin (Dan) Phillips, Michael (Brittni) Harlson, Adam (Kathy) Eversoll, and Hanna (Jared) Walsh; and his great-grandchildren: Cole and Sienna Striegel, Kaiden and T.J. Phillips, Raegan and Rowan Harlson, and one on the way. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Pat (Jones) Rycroft, and his parents, Fenton & Irene, and his sister-in-law: Phyllis.
Memorials can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church – Camanche.
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