Marjorie L. Rahn

The world lost a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Marjorie Louise Kurrus Rahn, age 74, of Trenton, IL, passed peacefully on Monday, April 12, 2021 at her residence.

Margie was born in East St. Louis, Illinois on August 26, 1946 to Cleo Saunders Kurrus and Vernon B. Kurrus.  She graduated from East St. Louis High School, followed by SIUE, graduating in 1969 with a degree in speech pathology and audiology, continuing her graduate education until 1971. She worked for both Easter Seals and O’Fallon High School before retiring to raise her children.

Margie is survived by her husband, Dan Rahn, married on April 23, 1971, they were just shy of celebrating their 50th anniversary and her children Courtney (Dan) Travous of Trenton, IL; Kathryne (Paul) Abramson of Santa Barbara, CA; David Rahn of Las Vegas, NV; her grandchildren: Dean Daniel Travous, Grace Kathryne Travous, John Walter Abramson and Michael Rahn Abramson; her sister, Judy (Al Stahl) Koch and Sister-in-law, Mary Pat Kurrus; her niece, Beth (Jeff) Junker (Ellie, Cole and Brooke), and nephews Phillip (Jennifer) Koch (Maebree, Jack Cipfl, Madelyn), Ryan (Annette) Kurrus (Andrew, Patrick, Nathan and John), Michael (Melinda) Kurrus (Jacob, Bella and Tori);and her dear circle of friends: Judy Doyle, Carolyn Powell, Linda Cassin, and Sharon Bauer.  Margie deeply loved her family and friends with all her heart and soul.

Margie was preceded in death by her daughter, Meredith Rahn; parents, Cleo and Vernon Kurrus; brother, Col. Robert Kurrus; and dear friends: Carol Casper, Mike Cassin, Ronnie Doyle, and Ed Powell.

Margie is remembered for her kindness, generosity, and entertaining us with her quick wit and sarcastic humor. She lived her life as the “Hub” of the family, with all others being a spoke to that wheel. In her youth, she was known to be an incredible dancer and her sparkling and bubbly personality was the life of every party. As a mother, she devoted her life to her children.  She was a constant at all of her children’s events, never missed a swim meet, Our Lady of Assumption (OLA) or Belleville East game. Margie was happiest when the whole family was together.  She created a home of love and belonging for her children and their friends where everyone was welcome. The Rahn house was the place for Sunday barbeques, birthday parties, pool parties, dance parties, and movie nights. She had a big heart and love for animals.  She adored the “Travous Zoo” and loved watching and holding the puppies.

Margie is also admired for her spirit and tenacity.  Living more than 60 years with Multiple Sclerosis she defied all odds, and those that loved her appreciated her ability to not let a diagnosis hold her back. She was awarded MS Mother of the Year for her commitment and devotion to her family.  True to her generosity and the life she lived, Margie has donated her body to the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Gift of Body Program.  It was her hope that in her final gift, others might learn and add to the advancement of medical knowledge.

Margie never cared to be the center of attention.  At her request her services will be private.  Friends wishing to honor her beautiful life of 74 years are invited to make a donation in her name to St. Jude, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html