Richard C. Vining's Obituary
Richard C. Vining, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on December 26, 2024, at the age of 73.
Born on November 8, 1951 in Clinton, Iowa, to James and Lillian Vining, Rich lived a life marked by love, dedication and accomplishment. A 1970 graduate of Clinton High School, Rich excelled in swimming and track and field. Rich earned an athletic scholarship to Western Illinois University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business degree in 1974. He went on to Drake University and earned a Master of Business Administration Degree in 1977. After college, Rich joined his father’s home building company, Builders Supply, before embarking on a successful career in finance. He found his professional home at Clinton National Bank where he worked until retiring in 2014. Over decades of dedicated service, he rose to the role of Executive Vice President and CFO, leaving a lasting legacy in his community.
Rich was the proud father of two children, Erik and Erin. In 2020 Rich married the love his life, Mary Walker. Together, they shared a bond filled with adventure, countless road trips, and a home life filled with the simple pleasures of life. Their deep affection for one another was unmistakable, and anyone lucky enough to spend time around Rich and Mary heard their heartfelt and playful nickname for each other, “Buttercup”. Their love was a shining example of partnership, laughter, and unwavering devotion.
Rich’s unmatched kindness left an indelible mark on everyone he met. His quick wit and sense of humor will be remembered by his family and friends. Rich had a unique affinity for all things spooky or gross, from scary movies to stories that made others squirm. He delighted in sharing those moments with family and friends, sparking both laughter and exaggerated groans, much to his own amusement. An avid triathlete, Rich’s athleticism and determination led him to complete the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, in 1986-a feat that remained a source of pride throughout his life.
Rich is survived by his loving wife Mary, his children Erik Vining of Chicago, and Erin (Steven) Skutley of West Des Moines, his sister Diane Roseland, and brother Jim (Devra) Vining, many nieces and nephews, aunt Donna (Gary) Mulholland, many cousins, and his two “boys”, Blackie James and Striper Joseph. Preceding Rich in death were his parents, and brother-in-law, Dick Roseland.
A public visitation will be Monday, December 30, 2024 from 4:00-7:00pm at the Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory. Private Services will be held with burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Paul Mulholland, Jeff Roseland, Steve Skutley, Tevien Pinckney, Dexter Fisher, and Paul Fisher.
Memorials may be made to Midwest Pets for Life or the Clinton Humane Society.
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