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BORN
1922
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Elwood Rafdal Obituary
Des Moines
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 17th 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 Donavan; 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 to www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elwood Rafdal
Sponsored by Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home.
3 Entries
Mareleta & Moe Thompson
May 18, 2017
You were a hero, a kind and much loved uncle. Your smile and humor lit up the world. You will be missed. Much Love.
Mary Lou Johnson
May 17, 2017
I am so saddened by your passing, "Grandpa". Your love for and pride in your family was so obvious from the first time I met you and you always made me feel like I was one of your family. Blessings to your children and grandchildren at this very difficult time. You will be so greatly missed by all who know and love you. RIP.
CAROLYN LENHART
May 16, 2017
I will miss your great smile and warm heart. You truly were a GREAT UNCLE! Thank you so much for being a part of my life. You could cheer up anyone with your quick wit and love of life. RIP Uncle Elwood.
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Memorial Events
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May
17
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home5400 SW Ninth Street, Des Moines, IA 50315
Funeral services provided by:
Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home5400 SW Ninth Street, Des Moines, IA 50315
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