Leland "Lee" Rath

Larchwood, IA

 Leland “Lee” Rath age 73 of Cedar Falls, IA, died Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at the Cedar Valley Hospice House in Waterloo, IA, after fighting lung cancer for over a year.

  Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the United Church of Christ in Larchwood, with Reverend Tim Voigt officiating.

  Burial will follow in the Larchwood Cemetery in Larchwood, IA.

  Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3rd at the United Church of Christ in Larchwood. 

In lieu of flowers, please direct contributions to the Larchwood UCC Food Bank. 

  Leland Charles Rath was born March 9, 1951, in Rock Rapids, Iowa, the child of Marlin and Helen Rath. Lee grew up in Rock Rapids, where he attended Central Lyon High School. Lee received his Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Iowa, where he met his wife of 51 years, Vicki (Visser) Rath. Lee and Vicki were married on July 27, 1973, at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in George, Iowa. They began their lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and proceeded to live and raise their family in Rock Rapids, Iowa, Larchwood, Iowa, Sun Lakes, Arizona, and Cedar Falls, Iowa. Lee spent the majority of his career as a CPA in Larchwood. Lee's life was filled with love and excitement, where he enjoyed boating and fishing (especially in Canada!), golfing, and cheering the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was a committed public servant, serving on the Larchwood City Council, volunteering as a firefighter, and serving as an active member in the United Church of Christ in Larchwood and Sun Lakes, including several mission trips. Lee was one of the founders of the Meadow Acres Golf Course in Larchwood.

  Lee is survived by his wife of 51 years, Vicki; three children, Tony (Erica) Rath, of Cedar Falls, Amber Hess, of Larchwood, and Eric (Tracy) Rath, of Naperville, Illinois; brothers Norm (Norma), Rod (Linda), and Ron; and seven grandchildren, Kaitlynn (25), Matthew (22), Harper (10), Hannah (9), Ethan (6), Mallory (3), and Delaney (1). 

  He was preceded in death by his parents Marlin and Helen, brother Leroy, sister-in-law Diane Rath, and brother-in-law Steven Tinnin.