Melvin Radebaugh

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.

He 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 where he retired after 30 years. 

Marlene married Catherine Elaine Rothfus on April 29, 1977 at St.Paul Lutheran Church in Bouton. 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 United States, they traveled abroad to countries including Germany, 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 from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 5 at Murdock Funeral Home, followed by a Masonic service. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 6 at Murdock Funeral Home in Perry, with  burial following at Rippey Cemetery. Memorials and condolences to the family may be sent to Murdock Funeral Home in Marlene’s name. Online condolences may be sent to murdockfuneralhome.net