Rudolphia “Rudie” J. Castagna, 96, of Ft. Madison, IA, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at 4:30 PM at the Birdhouse Hospice Home in Iowa City.
She was born on March 27, 1928 in Ft. Madison to Enrique and Frances Winkler Becerra. On November 27, 1964 Rudie married James “Pete” Castagna and he passed away on May 16, 2015. Early on she worked in the kitchen at Sacred Heart Hospital, then Mitchell Cleaners and was a leader for Weight Watchers for thirty-six years. Rudie was a member of Holy Family Parish, the Altar & Rosary Society, CLA, Coming Home RSVP and the hospital Auxiliary. She was a very dedicated volunteer. She was a volunteer at the physical therapy department at the hospital for fifty-four years and for Lee County Hospice for thirty-three years. Rudie also enjoyed reading and gardening. Rudie will always be remembered for many things. Her selflessness and kindness towards others shine bright, just as her love to accessorize with jewelry and fun hats!
Survivors include one daughter, Frances Hardin of Ft. Madison; four grandchildren, Tara Hardin, Brooke (Levi) Good, Deanna Forquer and Donnie Kempker; three great grandchildren, Avery Hauck, Emily & Calvin Witt and six great great grandchildren; one sister, Petra (Gerald) Leafgreen of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; one brother, Arnie (Darlene) Becerra of Ft. Madison; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Dean Forquer; her husband, Pete; two sisters, Natalia and Elissa and two brothers, Brigido “Brick” and Henry.
Per her wishes, cremation has been entrusted to King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. The memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 11 AM at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Gary Beckman officiating. A rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM and the family will meet with friends from 10-11 AM just prior to the service at the church.
A memorial has been established for Sacred Heart Church and online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com
