Reader, John David 'Dave'

John David “Dave” Reader, 84, of Cedar Rapids, died after a long battle with emphysema on Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center, while surrounded by his loving family. Funeral mass: 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Father Walter Kleinfehn. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery. A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Teahen Funeral Home, where friends may visit from 5 to 7 p.m. and again from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

John was born in Conroy, Iowa, on Feb. 23, 1925. He was affectionately called “Dave” by the family and was the third of six children born to Henrietta and Roderick Reader. The family moved to Williamsburg, Iowa, where he attended grade school and graduated from high school in 1942.

He worked at the Williamsburg newspaper until he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943. He served in the European theater as a combat medic, where he distinguished himself in combat and was awarded both a Silver Star for his acts of heroism and a Purple Heart for having been wounded during combat. After serving in World War II, he returned to Iowa where he attended community college. He married his high school sweetheart, Annabelle Marjorie Osweiler, on Oct. 26, 1946, in Cedar Rapids at Immaculate Conception Church.

John and Ann moved to Cedar Rapids, where he worked at Allen Motor Co. and Barron Motor Supply for many years. In 1969, he accomplished his lifelong dream of becoming a motel manager when he accepted a position with the Holiday Inn in Ottumwa, Iowa, where he was employed for nine years. In 1980, he switched career paths and became a mail carrier for the U.S. Post Office in Cedar Rapids. He was their oldest mail carrier ever employed, and for 10 years through rain or shine, he faithfully carried the mail until his retirement in April 1990.

After his retirement, John and his “sweetheart” Ann pursued their love of travel, going on several cruises and continuing to embark on their lifelong desire to visit all 50 states, a dream which they were proud to have fulfilled.

John had a love of midget race cars, Iowa Hawkeye football and was also an avid NASCAR fan, following his favorite Miller Lite #2 car driver Rusty Wallace. If curious about an upcoming race, all it took was a call to Papa to find out what day, time and channel, and on race day we all knew where to find him, glued to the TV. He made it a point never to miss a race, even if it meant having to listen to it on the radio for whatever reason.

John is survived by his loving wife, Ann, his soul mate with whom he celebrated 63 wonderful years of marriage. He is also survived by two daughters, Diane Rizzio of Cedar Rapids and Kathryn (Gregory) Yates of Fairborn, Ohio; and a son, John (Susan) Reader of Cedar Rapids.

He is also survived by his younger sister, Dorothy of Iowa City; and younger brother, Tom of Chicago.

John is preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Merle, George and Charles.

Known as “Papa” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was a devoted family man who greatly cherished and loved his family. He was proud to be blessed with his 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces. Papa never ceased to get laughs out of those who loved him. He had a very comedic side to him as he was always cracking jokes and often referred to his grandchildren as “George,” whether boy or girl. For those who knew and loved him, it was no secret that Papa had a strong “sweet tooth.” His weakness for everything sweet meant he always had Ann's homemade desserts, as well as various candies at his side to snack. He cherished having his great-grandchildren sit on his lap to share sweet treats with their Papa.

The family would like to extend our utmost appreciation to Mercy's Hospice unit staff and the ICU staff for the kind and compassionate care John received, and the generous hospitality provided to the family in his last days. We couldn't have asked for anything more wonderful during this extremely difficult time.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

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