Lonnie Lynn Rixen 72. of Sabula IA passed away peacefully on Wednesday October 29th. 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. A private family service will be held. Burial at Smith Cemetery. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family. Family would ask that flowers, plants, or cards may be dropped off at the Pape Funeral Home before 10 AM Wednesday.
Lonnie was born February 14th. 1953 in Savanna, IL to Harold and Martha (Meyer) Rixen. He graduated from Sabula High School in 1971. Lonnie was the oldest of four boys and always found joy farming with his brothers. Along with farming he read meters for REC for many years. If you knew Lonnie you knew he was a very hardworking man, whether it was working with his hands or running his favorite farm machinery.
Lonnie’s favorite things to do included running the skid loader, doing field work in his 4630, chopping corn silage, baling hay, welding, hauling cattle, and running his chainsaw cutting firewood. Lonnie loved simple pleasures like talking with neighbors, taking backroads roads anywhere he went and teaching people how a square knot is done. Lonnie was truly a one-of-a-kind person and will be missed by many.
Lonnie is survived by his two brothers, Harlen (Joanne) Rixen and Richard Rixen both of Sabula, IA; his nieces and nephews, Hailey, Carson, Emily, Kelly, Eldon, and Nicole. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.