Frederick “Rick” Michael Boals was born in Des Moines, Iowa on August 30, 1943 to Marcellus F. and Gladys E. (Davies) Boals. He lived in Urbandale most of his life before building a beautiful home in Adel, Iowa. Rick passed away on January 24, 2024.

In 8th grade, Rick met the love of his life, Cherie, which was the beginning of their 63 years together. He cherished and loved his family, had many lifelong friendships, and made new friends with everyone he met.

Rick first started working at Overhead Door in Des Moines and later began his own construction company. In 1974, he was the first Director of Urbandale Parks and Recreation Department, a career that he had for 30 years. Rick was instrumental in the development of park land and bike trails that attracted interest from cities all over the country. After retiring from the city, he continued working for many years as Property Manager at Bob Brown Chevrolet.

Rick was a natural athlete, playing baseball, hockey, semi-pro football for the Des Moines Warriors and was an avid golfer. In 1999, he won the raffle of a lifetime, a Harley Davidson Fatboy motorcycle and enjoyed traveling with a group of friends with Cherie on the backseat holding on tight.

Rick was preceded in death by an infant brother, David Boals; brothers, Daniel and Mark Boals; a sister, Gladys Hartley and his parents, Marcellus and Gladys Boals. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl “Cherie” Boals; daughter, Kellie Connelly (Mike); son, Steven Boals (Toni); sisters, Margaret Ann Boatright and Carol Sue Light; grandchildren, Megan Connelly, Michael Connelly, Zach Boals (Bailey), Madeline Boals and Mitchell Boals; great grandchildren, Eleanor Edwards, Addison Boals and Barrett Boals, as well as several nieces, nephews and their families.

A Celebration of Rick’s Life will be held on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at the Urbandale Senior Center, 7305 NW Aurora Avenue, Urbandale, beginning at 2:00 pm. Rick loved animals, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Interment at McDivitt Grove Cemetery, Urbandale will be held at a later date.