David L. Rathje
March 30, 1930 — October 7, 2014
David L. Rathje, 84, died Tuesday, October 07, 2014, at St. Luke’s Hospice House. Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 10, 2014, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Marion by Rev. Gregory Williamson. Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, October 9, 2014, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Marion. Burial: Oak Shade Cemetery in Marion. Military Honors will be provided by American Legion Post #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 1951-1954 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.
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 1951-1954 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.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David L. Rathje, please visit our flower store.