Memorial

Earl Norman Cathcart, 89, of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, July 6, 2015 at his home. Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 2015 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. A visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Earl was born November 8, 1925 in Battle Creek, IA, the son of Edmund McKinley and Laura (Durst) Cathcart. He lived in Danbury and Sioux City, IA, before moving with his parents to Iowa City, IA. Earl graduated from City High in 1944, where he lettered in basketball, football, and tennis. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy the day after graduation and was stationed in New Guinea, Philippines Island, and Admiralty Islands aboard a seaplane tender ship. 

Earl graduated from the University of Iowa in 1950, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and lettered in tennis for the university. He met his future wife, Shirley Frish, when both were in a mutual friend’s wedding party and they married a year later. 

He was employed by Dearborn Brass in the sales department for twenty-four years. Earl traveled throughout the U.S. developing territory with Dearborn manufacturing agents. After leaving the company, he and his wife established and operated a manufacture agency until they retired. Earl was a member of the Heath Club of the old YMCA for over fifty years where he enjoyed swimming and playing handball. He was also a member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church, the U of I alumni association, the Varsity Club, and was a season UI football ticket holder since graduation. 

Earl enjoyed the Honor Flight to Washington DC in 2011, with his daughter Ann, and the many letters from friends thanking him for his service. Earl had a quick sense of humor and was well read and informed on current events. 

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; and daughter Ann Elizabeth. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Durst Cathcart and his wife Pauline.

Memorials may be directed to the family in Earl’s memory.