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Orlie Rawson
ORLIE J. RAWSON
Troy Mills
Orlie J. Rawson, 78, of Troy Mills, died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, at ABCM Rehabilitation Center, East Campus in Independence.
He was born Oct. 7, 1939, in Covington, Iowa, the son of Joseph C. and Ferne L. (Mason) Rawson. In 1958, he graduated from Quasqueton High School and on June 15, he married the love of his life, Doris Eileen McVey. They made their home in rural Troy Mills, where Orlie farmed for many years. He spent several years working for Wilson Packing Plant, Cedar Rapids, and for 28 years he worked as a salesman at Rowley Equipment, retiring in 2005.
Orlie loved his family and found joy in riding his 630 and 3020 in tractor rides throughout the Midwest. You could find him giving his grandkids rides on his Gator around the farm. Even in his retirement, he kept farming with his sons. He enjoyed traveling, his favorite place to visit being Branson, Mo. He also loved attending rodeos.
He is survived by his wife, Doris Rawson, Troy Mills; his children, Daris (Sheryl) Rawson, Troy Mills, Derald (Barb) Rawson, Troy Mills, Deb (Darwin) Covington, Walker, Deanna (Rick) Mallow, Robins, Donald (Derrie) Rawson, Troy Mills, Dale Rawson, Troy Mills, and Dana (Pete) Sanders, Urbana; 38 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Julie (Kevin) Butterfeld, Toddville, and Lori (Bill) Schlotfelt, Cedar Rapids; a sister-in-law, Shirley Rawson, Lamont; and many nieces and nephews.
Orlie was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Ferne; his brothers, Carl and Danny Rawson; and a sister-in-law, Kathy Rawson.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at the Christian Church in Troy Mills with the Rev. Donald McGarvey officiating. Burial will be held at Troy Mills Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Camp Courageous, 12007 190th St., Monticello, IA 52310.
To leave an online condolence, please go to www.reifffuneralhome.com under obituaries.
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