Ricardo Miguel Campero, 91, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away on September 11, 2020, in Maryland.  He was born September 29, 1928, in Potosi, Bolivia, and was the son of the late Juan Campero and Antonia (Romero) Campero.  His family later moved to La Paz, Bolivia, where he grew up.  As a young adult, in 1957, Ricardo immigrated to America to follow his sweetheart from Bolivia, Nelly Richards, who had previously come to America to study nursing.  They married on January 25, 1958, and lived and worked in New Jersey and New York City.  He was very proud of his United States citizenship.  Shortly after their children were born, they decided to move to Knoxville, Iowa, to raise their family in a quieter, small town setting.  Ricardo was an Accountant, working many years for Des Moines Steel Company, Contel Telephone and finished his career at the 3M company in Knoxville, Iowa.

In retirement, Ricardo and Nelly spent their time working as Walmart greeters, volunteering at Head Start children’s program, and spending time in Maryland with his beloved grandchildren.  Ricardo loved drawing, painting, playing games, dancing, enjoying music and learning to play the guitar late into his 80’s.  Ricardo was well known in his adopted Iowa community and was very active in Church, Kiwanis, the local library, the local Senior Center, Knoxville High School sports team events and many fellowship groups.  Ricardo was a faithful servant of Christ and was a member of St. Anthony’s Church in Knoxville, Iowa and also attended the Church of Christ in Knoxville.

In late 2019, Nelly and Ricardo moved from Iowa to be with their daughter Mary and her family in Owings.  They enjoyed spending time at the North Beach Senior Center and taking walks with family.

Ricardo was very proud of his Bolivian (Inca) heritage and could often be found dancing to Bolivian music at home and at social events with the love of his life, who he called “Nellicita” or “Mi Vida,” which in English translates to “My Life!”  Ricardo was always known as a gentleman and a gentle man.  He was a one-of-a-kind personality and loved food, family, friends, and fellowship.  He was the epitome of the “American Dream.”

Ricardo is survived by his wife, Nelly (Richards) Campero; his son, Michael John Campero and his wife, Barbara, of Iowa City, Iowa; daughter, Mary (Campero) Berkley and her husband Bruce Berkley, of Owings, Maryland, and his 3 beloved grandchildren, Gabriela (Gabi) Berkley; Grant Berkley; and Katie Berkley also of Owings.  He is also survived by his brother, Carlos Campero of La Paz, Bolivia.  He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Freddy, Nelly Abaroa, Jorge and Emilio Campero.

Although Ricardo will be missed by his family and many friends, his wife, Nelly, has been comforted by the outpouring of kindness to her during this difficult time.  Ricardo was the pillar of our family and will be greatly missed.

The service for Ricardo will be live streamed on the Rausch Funeral Home Facebook Page starting at 2:55 PM. The service will start at 3:00 PM and can be viewed by using the following link. https://www.facebook.com/RauschFH