Rhonda Fager

Rhonda Helen Fager (McMullen), a long-time resident of Atlantic, Iowa, died on Monday May 24, 2021, at her home at the age of 66.

Rhonda was born December 3, 1954, in Omaha and lived most of her life in Atlantic. She graduated from Atlantic High School in 1973 and Creighton University in 1977 with a BS in accounting. After graduation, she worked for the Federal Land Bank in Omaha until she moved back to Atlantic. She also worked at Atlantic Carriers, Walnut Grove, FSC, and SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church as Parish secretary.

On June 23, 1979, she was married to Samuel Fager at SS Peter & Paul in Atlantic. Four children were born to this union: Mathew, Brian, Kristi, and Bradley.

Music was a large part of Rhonda’s life from a young girl. She started piano lessons at an early age and competed several years in the state piano competitions collimating in a runner-up finish. In high school, she began taking organ lessons and found herself playing at several churches in Atlantic and surrounding area. She played for numerous Sunday services, weddings and funerals over the years, as well as judging piano festivals. When not busy with music, she was involved in community activities including 4-H, Boy Scouts, Parish Council, and school. Hobbies included needle point, quilting, gardening, and scrapbooking.

She was preceded in death by son, Mathew; parents, Bill McMullen and Marjorie McMullen; grandparents, Walter & Elle Kuehl; and father-in-law, Robert Fager.

She is survived by husband, Sam; children, Brian (Andrea) Fager, Kristi Wingert (Isaiah Daggett), Bradley (Taylor Edson) Fager; 6 grandchildren, Kaelyn Wingert, Brooklyn Fager (Brian), Emmett Wingert, Brayden Fager (Brad), Kylee Fager (Brian), and Nolan Fager (Brian); mother-in-law, Leah Fager; and stepmother, Jeanie McMullen.

Visitation will be held on Friday May 28, 2021, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. all held at Hockenberry Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA.

A Liturgy Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday May 29, 2021, at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic, IA, with burial to follow at the Atlantic Cemetery. Following the committal service, a luncheon/reception will be held at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Parrish Center.

Covid restrictions have been lifted, please fill free to attend all services. The Liturgy Service will be livestreamed by the church and can be located on the church’s website. In addition to the live streaming, the staff at Hockenberry Funeral Home will have it recorded and will be uploaded by the next day.

Memorials may be directed to the family in honor of Rhonda. They will be used to fund music lessons for those who can’t afford it.

Hockenberry Family Care is in charge of the arrangements.