June 26, 2021 at 3:08 a.m.

Inger Rathbun

June 28, 1927-June 23, 2021

Inger Sofie Rathbun, age 93, a resident of Portland, passed away on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at her daughter’s home in Ankeny, Iowa. 

Inger was born on June 28, 1927, in Drammen, Norway, the daughter of Petter and Olga Ragnhilde Torgersen Pedersen. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Portland. Inger married Carl Rathbun on Oct. 8, 1945, and he passed away on January 12, 1997. 

Survivors include:

Two daughters — Ingrid Saxman (husband: Vernon), Indianapolis, Indiana, and Nancy Kertz (husband: James), Ankeny, Iowa

Nine grandchildren — Angie, Ivy, Ingrid, Abbey, Leslie, Matt, Andrew, Evan and Briann)

Eleven great-grandchildren

She is also survived by her niece, Ruth Zicht and nephews Paul and Roy Rathbun and their families. 

As a teenager, Inger was a brave member of the Norwegian Resistance and a World War II war bride. She was an avid poker player, a voracious reader and a CNN “news junkie.”

She baked the best tea rings, apple pie and chocolate cake. “Bestemom” was known for “making” her grandchildren eat French toast.

Visitation will be held on Monday from noon to 1 p.m. at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland. Services to celebrate Inger’s life will follow at 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Pastor Bruce Phillips will officiate the service and burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Redkey. Live-streaming of the funeral will be available on the Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home Facebook page.

Memorials may be directed towards Riley Children’s Hospital.

Condolences may be expressed at williamsonspencer.com.
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