Richard L. Gilgen

Little Rock, Iowa

Richard L. Gilgen, age 47, of Little Rock, Iowa, died suddenly on Monday, April 13, 2026, at his residence.

The Gilgen family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, at Jurrens Funeral Home in Sibley.

Richard LeRoy Gilgen was born on March 15, 1979, in Sibley, Iowa, the son of Barry W. Gilgen and Jackie D. Broesder. He was raised in Sibley, George, and Little Rock. He graduated from George-Little Rock High School in 1997.

Following graduation, he worked briefly for Sudenga Industries in George, Iowa, and Maintainer Corporation in Sheldon, Iowa. He then worked for 10 years at Farley & Sather’s Candy Company in Round Lake, Minnesota. While working there, he met his significant other, Lorrie White. Together, they made their home in Little Rock, Iowa.

Richard later completed his CDL training at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and began working as a truck driver for D & K Transportation in Ocheyedan, Iowa.

Richard and Lorrie shared a love for camping at local campgrounds, where they spent many cherished evenings around the campfire with friends. Richard was a devoted car enthusiast who took great pride in repairing muscle cars, as well as collecting and assembling model cars. He was also an avid racing fan who enjoyed both drag racing and dirt track racing, and for many years he served as a crew member for his best friend, traveling to races throughout the Midwest. In his free time, Richard found joy in riding ATVs, motorcycles, and dirt bikes, as well as fishing and tinkering in his shed.

On Monday, April 13, 2026, Richard passed away suddenly at his home in Little Rock at the age of 47.

He is survived by his significant other, Lorrie White of Little Rock, Iowa; his mother, Jackie Broesder of Sibley, Iowa; his father, Barry Gilgen of Park City, Kansas; three brothers, John Gilgen (Sonya Jurrens) of Little Rock, Iowa, James Gilgen (Tara DeNoble) of Little Rock, Iowa, and Paul Broesder (wife, Samantha) of Little Rock, Iowa; one sister, Amanda Broesder of Little Rock, Iowa; a stepson, Derek White of Leonard, North Dakota; three nieces, Hazel Triplett, Hannah DeSmet, and Lillian Broesder; and his best friend, Clinton Bruns.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Merle “Ottis” Broesder.