David Rathje

DAVID RATHJE

Marion

David L. Rathje, 84, died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014, at St. Luke's Hospice House. Funeral service: 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Marion by the Rev. Gregory Williamson. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Marion. Burial: Oak Shade Cemetery in Marion. Military Honors will be provided by American Legion Post No. 298 of Marion.

Survivors include two children, Scott (Linda) and Sue (Kevin) Bigbee; eight grandchildren, Tate, Austin, Elaina, Andre, Jordan, Emmery, Mackenzie and Olivia; a brother, Darrel (Judy) Rathje; and a special friend, Mary Myers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, five brothers and two sisters.

David was born March 30, 1930, the son of Marvin and Maxine (Barlow) Rathje in Cedar Rapids. On June 24, 1950, he married Edna M. Glessner. David played for the Iowa Hawkeye football team. He served with the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1954, during the Korean conflict. David volunteered for over 47 years at the Marion Fire Department. He worked at Pennick & Ford, Harnishfeger and Cedar Rapids school system. David was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He was a big supporter of Iowa and Iowa State athletics as well as many charitable organizations. David greatly loved his family, especially his grandchildren.

Per David's wishes, in lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be directed to St. Luke's Hospice, 290 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.

Please share a memory of David at www.murdoch

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