Simon W. Rasche, Jr.'s Obituary
Simon William Rasche, Jr., 92, of Camanche, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at The Alverno in Clinton, Iowa. Simon was born on January 6, 1930, in Clinton, the son of Simon and Rachel (Morgan) Rasche, Sr. He grew up in McCausland, Iowa, where his family owned and operated a small grocery store until 1944, when they moved to Clinton.
Simon graduated from Clinton High School in 1948 and continued his education at the University of Iowa. He served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Airforce during the Korean War, teaching military history courses to Second Lieutenants from 1952 to 1954. After serving his country, he attended the University of Iowa Law School from 1954 - 1957 and graduated with a Juris Doctor Degree.
Simon married the love of his life, Fern Manning, on August 15, 1952. Together they had two children—a son, Simon William Rasche IV, and a daughter, Cynthia (Cindy) Rasche. The family made their home in Camanche for the next 61 years.
Simon practiced law from his office in Camanche for 48 years. He served in Clinton County as a county attorney; city attorney for Camanche, Calamus, and Toronto; and as a part-time magistrate. He appreciated and valued the support given to him, from the communities he served.
Simon was an avid outdoorsman. He spent many days hunting, fishing, and trapping on the Wapsi and Mississippi Rivers. Simon enjoyed sharing stories of his childhood growing up in McCausland. He proudly supported his wife’s passion for art. Simon also took great pride in supporting his children as they coached tennis and his three grandchildren as they competed, each winning state championships. In his later years, Simon looked forward to his daily drives with his wife to get ice cream and admiring the river view.
He is survived by his wife, Fern Rasche, of Camanche; two children: Simon (Brenda) Rasche IV of Fulton, and Cindy Rasche of Camanche; three grandchildren: Chelsea (Michael) Sullens of Clinton, Brayton (Samantha) Rasche of Moville, Iowa, and Griffin (Gregory) Wagner of Eldridge, Iowa; and two great grandchildren: Nora and Brooks Sullens of Clinton. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to St. Mark's United Methodist Church or to River City Tennis Youth Programs.
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