Memorial

We are honoring our beautiful, crazy, and very loving April Dawn Petersen. She passed into eternal life on Monday, July 10, 2023. April immediately lit up any room she entered and made a big impact on so many people. She was a joyful presence with her big blonde hair and bubbly personality. She loved her friends and family and filled her home with warmth and kindness. Just like her, we would like her celebration of life to be filled with vibrancy, color, and joyful music. The Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel, 1221 1st Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404. The Celebration of Life will follow at Parlor City Pavilion.   

April was born Nov. 21, 1974, to John and Sharon. She fell in love with her husband Todd in 1997, joining their families in April 2000. Their love story was one filled with passion and adventure. There was nothing they wouldn’t do for each other. April was the partner in life anyone would be lucky to have, always giving more than she took. 

One of her greatest joys was finding new adventures with her husband, family, and friends. She loved to travel and frequented their home in Ft. Myers Beach, FL, visiting the ocean any chance she could. Though as much as she loved to travel, her “happy place” could truly be found anywhere she was surrounded by her family, friends, her dogs, and a glass of Chardonnay. 

April was the artist of the family and turned her talents into a very reputable business, Rathje Painting, the mother and daughter painting team, serving the area for over 20 years.

Survivors include her husband Todd of Cedar Rapids, children Hannah and Nathan of Cedar Rapids, father John (Diane) Rowan, aunts Nancy (John) and Chris (Jim), cousins Lori (Brian), Tricia (Greg), Todd, and Kim, and her sisters at heart, her tribe.

Preceding her in death was her Mama and Pops Sadie and Dale Feye and mother Sharon McMickle. 

She was the light of many lives and will be deeply missed.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Dragonfly Transplant Fund, 260 33rd Ave SW, Ste M, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.