Melvin Marlene Radebaugh, known as “Rady” by many friends, was born June 6, 1935, to Harold Dean and Marie K. (Barber) Radebaugh and passed away April 2, 2022, peacefully at home with loved ones by his side.
Marlene was born on a farm south of Rippey, and after third grade the family moved to a farm north of Rippey, and he attended school with his brother, Bill, and sister, Barb, in Grand Junction, graduating in 1953.
Marene had a love of music, using his talents of singing and playing the saxophone. At the age of 15, with the help of his high school band instructor, Glenn Peterson, who was in the Carl Nebbe Band in Ogden, he began his Big Band career.
Additionally, Marlene played in the Four Jacks and a Jill, Za-Ga-Zig Shrine Sax Sextet, the Riney Rinehard Band, the Al Welsh Orchestra and at church and many weddings. After playing Big Band music for 69 years, he retired in 2019.
Marlene worked for Ferguson Drainage Construction, Rippey COOP and Rippey Savings Bank, from which he retired after 30 years.
Marlene married Catherine Elaine Rothfus on April 29, 1977, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bouton, Iowa.
He obtained his pilot’s license (private, instrument and commercial ratings), and he and Cathy spent many years together, traveling in their airplanes. Besides flying in the U.S., they traveled abroad to countries including Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria.
They also enjoyed bowling with their friends, helping farm by driving his grain truck, visiting casinos, traveling to the lake in Minnesota, doing activities at church, sharing his love for music and spending time with family.
Marlene was a fun-loving, carefree man who loved to laugh and enjoyed spending time with his many nephews, a niece and great nephews and nieces.
Marlene was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Cathy; brother, Bill (Colleen) Radebaugh of Grand Junction; sister, Barbara (Dennis) Tucker of Gowrie; and many other relatives and friends.
Family will greet friends Tuesday, April 5 from 5-7 p.m. at the Murdock Funeral Home, followed by a Masonic service. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 6 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with burial following at the Rippey Cemetery. Memorials and condolences to the family may be sent to the funeral home in Marlene’s name. Online condolences may be sent to murdockfuneralhome.net
