Richard C. Meek

Richard Charles Meek, 79, of Sioux City, passed away January 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. His family and friends mourn his passing but find comfort knowing he is reunited in heaven with his beloved wife.

Rich was born on September 30, 1946, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Seth and Grace (Albertson) Meek. He moved to Sioux City with his family when he was young and graduated from East High School in 1965. He received his diploma in one hand and his draft notice in the other. After completing training, he joined the prestigious brotherhood of the U.S. Navy Seals and served several years in the Vietnam War. On November 17, 1973, he was united in marriage to Janice E. Behrens at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sioux City, Iowa. They made their home in Sioux City and were blessed with three children. Rich worked for Schaeff (North American Manufacturing Company) for 30 years as a construction equipment manufacturer and operator before retiring as a security guard from Per Mar Security in September 2021.

Rich was a family man and enjoyed spending time with his wife (until her passing in 2024), his children, and their families. You could always find him with a deck of cards as he loved playing all sorts of games, Solitaire being his favorite. During racing season, you could spot him with his family at the dirt tracks, both near and far, or watching from his favorite chair at home. Rich was a colorful and vivid storyteller, whether sharing about his days in the war or fond memories of days past. He always had a funny saying in his back pocket, many of which have become common phrases used amongst his loved ones.

He is survived by his loving children, Christopher Meek of Sioux City, Ashley (David) Searls of Waukee, and Shanna Meek (Brent Gigaroa) of Sioux City; his sister, Becky (Wayne) Stamper of Colorado Springs; and his grandchildren, Brooke Grant, Madison Meek, Taylor Meek, Hadley Meek, Cohen Searls, and Avery Searls. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Janice Meek; father, Seth Meek; mother, Grace Meek; and sister, Barb Nelson.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Meek, David Searls, Brent Gigaroa, Noah Behrens, and Ethan Behrens.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Morningside Chapel, with a Prayer Service at 3:30pm. Funeral service will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 10:00am at Sunnybrook Community Church. His final resting place will be Rock Branch Cemetery near Correctionville, Iowa.