Richard "Rick" A. Sloss

Richard "Rick" Sloss, age 48, a devoted father, beloved mentor, and pillar of the Iowa wrestling community, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness at Mercy Hospital on February 28, 2026.

Rick was born in 1977 and raised in Perry, Iowa. Graduating from Perry High School in 1996. Rick grew up on the wrestling mats learning discipline, grit and heart; values he would spend the rest of his life passing on to others.

As a longtime resident of Woodward, Rick’s impact on the local youth was immeasurable. For many years, he was deeply involved with Beaver Creek Wrestling and was a strong advocate for girls’ wrestling in the state. He mentored countless young athletes, not only teaching technique but modeling character, perseverance and integrity. He put his heart and soul into wrestling and his wrestlers. In recent years, he found great joy in serving as a respected referee, continuing to give back to the sport that changed his life.

When Rick wasn’t wrestling, he found peace on the water with his fishing pole or cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Above all, his world revolved around those he loved.

Rick’s greatest pride and joy was his 14-year-old daughter, Kayli, whose life and future were his primary focus. Rick was also blessed to be able to parent Sam and Quintin Smith. He was always so proud of all three of his children: Kayli, Sam and Quintin.

Rick is survived by his daughters, Kayli Sloss and Samantha Smith; his son, Quintin Smith; his girlfriend, Amanda Novak; his father, Paul Sloss; and his four sisters, Kassie (John) Maroney, Kaci (Ryan) Kennedy, Kelsey (Steve) Sloss, and Kinsey (Alykhan) Gulamali. He also leaves behind eight nieces and nephews who will deeply miss their uncle’s guidance, love and humor.

Rick was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Deborah Sloss.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, 1721 Park Street, Perry, Iowa 50220. Memorial Service will be held Friday, March 6, 2026 at 10:00am at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Perry.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to a college fund established for the benefit of his daughter, Kayli Sloss, via venmo (@KayliCollegeFund) (last four numbers of phone number: 6267)