Donald LeRoy Rawson

Donald LeRoy Rawson

Hiawatha

Donald LeRoy Rawson, age 88, of Hiawatha, formerly of Coggon and Troy Mills, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, June 2, 2025. Born on Valentines Day, February 14, 1937, in Cedar Rapids to Dorr and Anna (Weber) Rawson, Don lived a life full of love and dedication.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Kay (Furness) Rawson. Together, they created a beautiful family which includes survivors Krys (Todd) Lehman of Mt. Union, David (Lori) Beuter of Walker, Shelly (Nick) Reed of San Antonio, Texas, and Molly Radley of Hiawatha. His grandchildren Erika Beuter, Austin Lehman, Adreana (Lucas) Blair, Joe Beuter, Emilee Beuter, Max Reed, Sloane Reed, Rowen Radley, and Rylee Radley, along with great-grandchildren Brennen Beuter, Amelia Brown, Morgan Brown, and Keith Blair. Don is also survived by brother-in-law Jerry Furness; sisters-in-law Donna Mae Rawson, Cindy (Kevin) Solem; special nephew Gregory (Marilyn) Mohr of Helena, Montana; many nieces and nephews; and his corgi, Buddy. He is fondly remembered by Eric Radley, former son-in-law.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Dorr and Anna Rawson; father-in-law Carl Furness; mother-in-law Genny Furness; brother Kenneth Rawson; and sister-in-law Jean Furness.

A graduate of Troy Mills School in 1955, Don was drafted into the United States Army at the age of 20, serving in Germany as a field wireman. Upon his return, he worked as a farmer, and for the Linn County Road Department. He retired in 1999 but continued working as a truck transporter, retiring from part-time work at Gatr Truck Sales in 2020.

Don was immensely proud of his wife and family, instilling integrity, respect, work ethic, and independence in each of his children. He loved spending time with family and friends, watching his children and grandchildren play sports, as well as raising and showing Percheron draft horses. One of his proudest moments was leading a 6-horse hitch down Michigan Avenue in Chicago for the Thanksgiving Day parade. Don could often be found solving the world’s problems at "the office," otherwise known as Donutland.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, as well as the Mercy Hospice nurses and team. Your compassionate care for Don and your prompt responses and actions were deeply appreciated.

The family kindly asks that donations be directed to The Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion. A funeral service with military honors will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the funeral home. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids.

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