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Saint Joseph-Ogden High School Illinois State University

FUNERAL HOME

Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home - Clarksville

1510 Madison Street

Clarksville, Tennessee

Don Rademaker Obituary

Name: Visitation for Don Rademaker
Start: 2025-06-27T10:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-06-27T12:00:00.000Z
Location: Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Don Alan Rademaker of Clarksville, Tenn., passed away Monday (June 23, 2025) at home.

Funeral services will be held at Neal-Tarpley Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison St., Clarksville. Visitation will be on Friday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to noon, with a memorial service at noon.

Don was born in Urbana on Oct. 11, 1972, the son of Eldon and Marilyn Rademaker.

He is survived by his mother, Marilyn of St. Joseph; and brother, Doug Rademaker of St. Louis.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eldon.

Don graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in St. Joseph in 1991 and then attended Illinois State University in Normal, graduating with a degree in biology. He then received a doctor of optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn. He practiced optometry at a clinic on Fort Campbell air base in Fort Cambell, Ky.

He was an active member of Warfield Boulevard Church of Christ. He enjoyed being in his boat on the lake fishing, long bike rides, spending time walking outside or watching a fire in the evening sitting on the patio. And he could not pass by a Saturday morning garage sale.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to charity of donor's choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News-Gazette on Jun. 27, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Don Rademaker

17 Entries

Mrs. Jordan

July 19, 2025

Sending my sincere condolences to the family. Dr.Rademaker was our family. He treated our eyes like his own. He loved my children. God bless.

M. Lance Presley, OD

July 19, 2025

I also attended optometry school with Don. I just now learned of Don´s passing to much shock. Don was one of the nicest students at SCO. He always had a strong drive in school, and I respected him so much for that. As mentioned by others he did have that unique sense of humor. I can´t count the number of times he said something that had me chuckling all day long. He was a truly generous, kind human being. I am so sorry for all family and friends. Lifting up prayers for you all! Peace of the Lord be with you.

Phyllis Nguyen

July 18, 2025

Dang Doc, What to say . You and I go back a long time. I´m shocked. I remember you came by we took your car out for a ride you went real fast . You were so proud of the power of the car . We worked together many years. You knew your job so professional. I will miss you my friend. You were truly a guy dedicated to God. Thank you for being a friend. GBWU

Rebecca S. Koch

June 30, 2025

So sad to hear about Donnie's passing. Always a happy go lucky kid when we knew him as a grade schooler and playing t-ball. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Marilyn and Doug during your time of grief. Our deepest sympathies.

Marylee Perring

June 29, 2025

Dear Marilyn,
I know you must be in deep mourning... the news of Dons passing from this life on earth. We know where he is. We will all meet again. God bless you!! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Marylee Perring
( I floated and new you from Carle)

Heather Wilson

June 28, 2025

So sad to hear about Don's passing and saying a prayer for his family and friends. We were lockermates in high school and he was always joking, encouraging, and kind - a gentle giant of sorts to me in the challenges of high school life. Don was always looking on the bright side, but if things went sideways, he could be a fearce defender. He will be missed - until we meet again. Heather Wilson

Brad Allen

June 27, 2025

We are very sorry for your loss. You have our sympathy.

Dan Drews Scott Presley Cory Donberger Doug Manger

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Wayne and Bev McPherson

June 27, 2025

Don and his family spent many hours in our home over the years. Don was a strong Christian raised by great parents. We are so sorry to see you go but know you reached the ultimate destination with the father. Love you all!

Kristina Sikes

June 27, 2025

Oh Doc, this was absolutely heartbreaking and hard to believe. I don't want it to be real. You were such a kind and funny man. Thank you taking a chance on me being one of your optometry techs. There was never a dull moment. Days filled with laughter and pranks. Also thank you for all the amazing yard sale finds for Ross. You treated him like he was your grandchild. We love you. You will be greatly missed. Thank you for the 3 years of memories I will cherish.

Opal Arteman

June 27, 2025

May you find peace and healing in the cherished memories of Don.
Marilyn and Doug, I'm sending you hugs and prayers in this extremely difficult time. (Don and Doug's former teacher Opal Arteman)

Tera and Eliana

June 26, 2025

Dr. Rademaker, I am heartbroken to hear of your sudden passing. I want to thank you. You gave me an opportunity and helped me find my purpose. I´ve learned so much from you. Because of you, I´ve found my passion in eye healthcare. I´ve always looked forward to surprising you at the clinic when I would fly in to visit. I didn´t think the last time was going to be the actual last. I wish I would have stayed longer. I will continue to pray for your family. Rest in heavenly peace Doc. Eliana and I will miss you.

-Love Tera.

Samantha Carlew

June 26, 2025

Not only my boss, but a friend who will surely be missed. From Saturday apple turnovers, to yard sale finds to sort from, all of his daily dad jokes, and picking at us in good fun.

Still can´t believe he´s gone so suddenly. You´ll be missed Doc. The kind words from our patients this week prove you were appreciated and valued through and through. Rest easy.

Heather Nugent

June 26, 2025

Dr. Rademaker was my eye doctor during our time at Fort Campbell. 10 years later my daughter became one of his Admins. Over the last 2 years when I was I. Town I would pop in and say hello. He has been amazing to my daughter and to my grandsons. I am sure they will miss the random garage sale finds he would bring I. For the boys. I am grateful for all you have done for them and I know you will be missed.

Michele L Johnson

June 26, 2025

I am at a lost of words 10 year as my husband and I optometrist. May god shine his light on your family and give them the strength to care on. One last time (which line is clear 6 or7, which one is blurred 3 or 4 come on you got this Michele. you will be truly missed simple put the best optometrist ever. RIP Dr Rademaker
Michele

Rest easy good sir thank you for all of the professional eye you were one of the best.
Larry

The Johnsons

Eric Colegrove, O.D. SCO c/o 1999

June 26, 2025

Sat near Don along with Jason Cates and David Landis, in the left front row of the lecture hall, at Southern College of Optometry, in Memphis, in mid to late 90s. Do was always quick with a joke and his favorite saying was HOLY COW! I remember a day where the lecture was on the anatomy of the lower end of the colon. Don leans over, to us, and says "Gentlemen, we are a LONG way, from the eyeball, today." We might have almost got in trouble with as much as we laughed.

He was a serious student and studied his notes even while a test was being passed out to the class. In addition to his dedication to his studies, he was always a pleasant fellow to be around. He will be missed. Love you, Don. Will be seeing you, later.

Jason Cates O.D. , SCO 99

June 26, 2025

I spent 4 years sitting next to Don in Optometry School. We had some good laughs, and he was always quick with a "holy cow"....:) We always admired his frugality as well... I saw him several times during my time at Fort Campbell 2019-2022 while I was still in the Army. I knew he was very respected and liked by his patients. So sorry to hear of his sudden passing. Save us a seat Don... Your friend and classmate Jason.

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