Rodney L. Osburn

SIOUX CITY | Rodney L. Osburn, 85, of Sioux City died Saturday, May 11, 2013, at Westwood Nursing and Rehab Center following a lengthy illness. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with the Rev. Merlin Schrad officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the U.S. Naval Reserves. Visitation will be the hour prior to the service Thursday at church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be sent online at www.meyerbroschapels.com. Rodney was born on July 29, 1927, in Le Mars, Iowa, the son of Leonard Owen and Winifred Mary (Toomey) Osburn. After high school, he enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. On Sept. 8, 1946, he married Bonnie Rae Blom in Sioux City. They raised three children, Carol, Cathy and Mark. Rodney started his long career with the Illinois Central Railroad as an agent and retired as their piggyback service coordinator. Rodney was instrumental in bringing the first amateur hockey team to Sioux City, known as the Sioux City Eagles. He also participated as a Golden Gloves boxer and played softball. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially watching his grandkids' sporting events. He loved watching baseball and his dog, Lil Mac. He was member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Bonnie Rae; a daughter and her husband, Cathy and Rick Fox; a son and his wife, Mark and Kelly Osburn; a son-in-law, John Streeter, all of Sioux City; two sisters, Marywyn of Florida and Marve of Arizona; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Streeter; a brother, Owen Osburn; and his parents. Pallbearers will be Cody Osburn, Nolan Osburn, Mike Lilly, Robert Lilly, Derek Carey and Dick Sorensen. Rodney's family would like to thank all who cared for him at Westwood and Hospice of Siouxland. Your family loves you and we miss you.