Mathew “David” O’Rourke

Mathew “David” O’Rourke

Marion

Mathew “David” O’Rourke, 95, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at St. Luke’s Transitional Care Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Old St. Joseph Catholic Church, located at 995 5th Avenue, Marion, with a one-hour visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. A livestream of the funeral service may be viewed at https://youtube.com/live/udxgyLHEMEU?feature=share, starting at 10:30 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family.

David O’Rourke was born on January 11, 1930, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Leroy and Marjorie (Lawler) O’Rourke. He was a 1944 graduate of Immaculate Conception High School in Cedar Rapids and went on to serve in the United States Naval Reserves, abord a heavy cruiser, for four years. He then served in the United States Marine Corps from 1950 to 1952, during the Korean War. On August 17, 1963, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Marlene” Cosgrove in Cedar Rapids. David was employed as a Senior Buyer for the Defense Communications Dept. at Collins Radio, where he worked until his retirement in 1987. After retirement, David went back to school to earn his associate’s degree from Kirkwood Community College and used his education to volunteer as a pharmacy tech at the Cedar Rapids Community Free Health Clinic. David also worked in general maintenance for the Dakota Sioux Indian Tribe in North Dakota. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion, where he also was very active with the church choir and volunteered for their food pantry. David was a member of the Marion American Legion and a lifelong member of The Knights of Columbus.

An embodiment of selflessness, David always put others first, demonstrating kindness and generosity to those around him. He was known for his frugality, understanding the importance of valuing what truly mattered in life. After his time in service, he took it upon himself to build a house for his beloved mother, showcasing both his craftsmanship and his deep love for family. David had a spirited passion for learning that never waned. He was well-read and maintained a keen awareness of current events. His love for movies and baking added joy to his life, bringing together the simple pleasures that he cherished. One of David's proudest moments included a meaningful visit to Ireland, a journey that further connected him to his heritage and deepened his appreciation for his roots. David will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

David is survived and lovingly remembered by his sister, Della Barnette and brother, Bob (Sandra) Scott, both of Cedar Rapids; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marlene; sisters, Rita Scheu, Betty Biddick and Shirley Lemon; and a brother, Michael O’Rourke.

Please share a memory of David at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.