Richard D. Rath Sr.

Richard Duane Rath Sr.,  90, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on November 29th, 2017 at home surrounded by his family.

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday December 2nd, 2017 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Pastor David Barna officiating. Family and friends may gather from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery with military honors accorded by the American Legion Post #6.

Richard was born on March 5, 1927 in Manchester, Iowa the son of Henry and Nevada Grace (Fogel) Rath. He served in the United States Navy from 1946-1947 in Japan during WWII.

He married Esther Thomas on December 5th, 1948 and would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary next week.

He worked for the former Dubuque Packing Company until his retirement.

Richard was a master fisherman, which he taught his kids and grandchildren. He enjoyed being part-owner of the Eagle Point Fishing Barge in his retirement. He was also an avid Chicago Cubs Fan.

He always had a smile and helped anyone who needed it. He was called “Pops” by many that knew him. He loved his family and loved spending time with them.

He is survived by his loving wife Esther; his children, Gary (LaNae) Rath, Steve (Roseanne) Rath, Dixie (Bill) Waterman, Richard (Sue) Rath, Jr., Debbie (Mark) Hines, Becky (Bill) Welter, David (Ellen) Rath, and Tammy (Jeffrey) Robbins. 20 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren. His step siblings, Judy Cottrell, Rita Cottrell, Ruth Rath, Denny Rath, Tom Rath, and Armand Rath

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Henry (Eleanor) Rath, Cecil (Florence) Rath, and a grandson Marc Rath.

A Richard D. Rath memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Matthew Kirkendall, and his nurse Kate, Hospice of Dubuque especially Barb, Home Health Care especially Kelly, and to all the nurses who helped care for Richard. 

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