Elwood Rafdal
May 12, 2017
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Service Details
Elwood L. Rafdal, 94, passed away May 12, 2017 at The Lodge of Ashworth. Visitation will be 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wed., May 17, 2017 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th St. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thurs., May 18th at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 3820 SW 9th St. with burial at Glendale Cemetery.
Elwood was born August 6, 1922 in Story City, IA to Hanna and Torger Rafdal. He proudly served his country during WWII as a Navy crew chief in a B24 bomber flying anti-sub patrols while stationed in Europe, Africa and Bermuda. He retired in 1984 from John Hancock Life Ins.
Elwood was a man who loved his family deeply and was loved in return by his many family members and friends. He was genuinely kind, caring and had a terrific sense of humor. He never met a stranger.
He will be greatly missed by his children, Doug (Jeanne), Dave (Marcia) and Pam (Jack) Wharton; grandchildren, Nicole (Brian), Eric (Kate), Jennifer (Kevin), Sara, Karen (Dan), Anna, Maria (Jordan), David and Kimberly; great-grandchildren, Bree, Brett, Lauren, Abigail and Donovan; and many nieces and nephews.
Elwood was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Beulah; daughters, Marla and Debbie; his parents; brothers, Alton, Albert, Don and Clarence; sisters, Margaret, Beatrice and Gladys.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd where Elwood was a founding member.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Dan and Lou Leach
05/17/2017
We are so sorry for your loss. Elwood made a heck of a run for it. We know you and everyone that knew him will miss him greatly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Gina Meisenheimer
05/17/2017
So sorry to hear of Elwood's passing. He was always so happy. I always enjoyed visiting with him. He was so kind to everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you all of you.
Tom Moorehead
05/16/2017
So sorry to hear of your dads passing Dave.Remember hanging in your basement and him checking on us to make sure we were behaving.The talks he had with me about investing in one of his opportunities was always interesting.The 5th wheels recent invention was one that sticks out the most.Of course I still being ignorant is these affairs kept me from doing anything.You are so much like him Dave.Apple didn't fall far from that tree.
Julie Antenucci
05/16/2017
When we were very young Mr Rafdal would stop by our house. He would drive up in his station wagon and we would run to greet him. He would come in and sit at our kitchen table and speak to my mom and dad. It was the first time I remember seeing a business man. White shirt, suit or sport coat. We greeted him like we were related! In the past few years my sister Karen worked during the summer months at the Lodge of Ashworth. She said Mr Rafdal would reminisce about being at our house and how lovely our mother was. We did not know his first name. He was Mr Rafdal. He was always welcome like family. He is in the hands of God.
Allen and Gail Zagoren
05/16/2017
Pam, Dave and Marci -
Our deepest condolences to all the Rafdal and Wharton family. We are so very sorry for your loss and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Connie foster
05/16/2017
I was not given the opportunity to know this wonderful man,but what I have heard and read about him,he was pretty amazing..sir,Thank you for your service to our country..You have raised a beautiful daughter,Pam,in the way of the Lord,and you should be proud...She as well as others will carry on your ways..Go rest high with those who have gone before you...
Pam I am sorry for your loss..a good man indeed,if you ever need a friend,you got me.....