Richard “Dick” Lee Kuykendall, 80, of Forest City

Richard “Dick” Lee Kuykendall, 80, of Forest City, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at MercyOne North Iowa, surrounded by the family who meant the world to him.

His family will greet friends and relatives from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd Street NE, Mason City, IA. Racing attire is approved. A brief closing prayer will be offered at 7:00 p.m.
Dick will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, IA.

Born on February 14, 1945, in Plymouth, Iowa, Richard Lee was the son of Clyde G. and Doris M. (Harry) Kuykendall. Raised on the family farm just outside of Plymouth, Dick learned the value of hard work early and carried it with him all his life. After attending Plymouth High School, he discovered a lifelong calling: the open road. What began as a job behind the wheel of a semi-truck became his passion and profession. He didn’t just drive. He built a business. Dick eventually owned and operated his own fleet, a proud achievement that reflected his unstoppable drive and independence.

Though the road called to him, home was never far from his heart, especially his shop and his collection of cars and trucks. Corvettes, Chargers, Mustangs, four-wheel drives, and dually pickups—if it had power and looked sharp, Dick had an eye for it. He believed in the full package: performance and style. His love for engines and horsepower carried over to the racetrack, a passion first shared with his dad and later passed down to his son, Patrick. Countless hours were spent tinkering, tuning, and cheering at the track, especially when Patrick was behind the wheel.

To know Dick was to know someone truly one of a kind. Independent to his core, he wasn’t afraid to go his own way, especially when it was something he wanted to do. His family often described him as driven, determined, and unwavering in his work ethic. He tackled everything with intensity and pride, always moving forward, always putting in the work—on the road, in his shop, and in life.

Surviving are his companion of 55 years, Linda Graham; son, Patrick (Jennifer) Graham of Ankeny; brother, Don Kuykendall of Mason City; sister, Debbie Kuykendall; nephew, David (Kendra) Kuykendall and their son Ryder; niece, Kristin (Bill) Kuykendall; as well as many friends made through the trucking and racing communities over the years. 

Preceding him in death are his parents, Clyde and Doris, and a cherished granddog, Diesel, who stole his heart.

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel. ColonialChapels.com. (641)423-2372.