Joe Rydstrom

Joe Rydstrom, age 70, of Marathon, Iowa died Saturday, December 27, 2014 in Marathon. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Marathon. Burial will follow in the Poland Township Cemetery in Marathon. Visitation will take place Tuesday, December 30, 2014 from 4-7:00 p.m. with the family present from 5-7:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Marathon. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Joe's honor has been established. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Leslie Joe Rydstrom was born April 9, 1944 in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, the son of Lester and Bessie (Foreman) Rydstrom. Joe graduated from Marathon High School in 1962. On August 14, 1965, Joe was united in marriage to Linda Olson in Marathon. Together they were blessed with two sons, Tony and Todd. Throughout his lifetime, Joe worked as a truck driver for M&JR Hakes and hauled cattle for Burn’s Trucking. He also drove the activity bus for the Laurens-Marathon School District. Joe was active in the community, currently serving on the Marathon Library Board. He was a past member of the Marathon City Council and also was on the Marathon Fire Department, serving as Chief. Joe spent many years serving as a scout leader. Joe was a member of the United Methodist Church in Marathon. In his free time, Joe enjoyed traveling, especially if it involved cruising in his Cadillac. He loved midnight snacks, trains, playing cards, and gardening. Most of all, Joe loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Linda Rydstrom of Marathon, Iowa; sons: Tony (Tina) Rydstrom of Marathon, Iowa; Todd (Mike Dickman) Rydstrom of Oakland, California; granddaughter, Brittany Rydstrom of Ankeny, Iowa; brothers: Bill (Doris) Rydstrom of Omaha, Nebraska; Dick Rydstrom of Gilmore City, Iowa; sisters: Marjibeth (Gary) Hopkins of Laurens, Iowa; Patricia Redetzke of Great Bend, Kansas; numerous brothers and sisters in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. Joe was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents, Lester and Bessie Rydstrom; and granddaughter, Lexi Rydstrom.

Joe Rydstrom

April 9, 1944 - December 27, 2014