Ralph E. Cushman, 98, of Burlington, died Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, at the West Point Care Center.
Born Dec. 31, 1923, in Maryville, Mo., he was the son of Hubert "H.B." and Althea Myers Cushman. On March 30, 1953, he married Audrey Fay Liddle in Rockton, Ill. She died on Nov. 13, 2013.
Ralph attended Maryville High School. He graduated from Maryville College. He then graduated from Mayo Clinic with a Masters of Science in physical therapy.
He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving during the World War II from Feb. 16, 1943, until Feb. 19, 1946.
Ralph worked at the Burlington Medical Center as a physical therapist for 33 years. He was the first physical therapist in Burlington, and the seventh in the state of Iowa, earning him the license number "007." He also owned and operated Hawkeye Rehab until his retirement.
Ralph was a Deacon at the First Congregational Church.
Survivors include three sons, Shawn Cushman of Burlington, Mitchell Cushman of Laramie, Wyo., and Nathaniel Cushman of Kapaa, Hawaii; two daughters, Robin Cushman of Burlington and Dawn Cushman-Hill of Burlington; six grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
Visitation will be from 9 until 11 a.m. with the family to receive friends Saturday, Feb. 19 at First Congregational Church.
The memorial service for Mr. Cushman will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19 at First Congregational Church with Pastor Jim Francisco officiating. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. A time of food and fellowship will be held at the First Congregational Church. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Burlington Special Needs Foundation and Burlington's First Congregation Church.