Daniel Rathjen

Daniel Thomas Rathjen, 37, passed away on March 14, 2026. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 10, from 4-7 pm and a Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, April 11 at 10:00 am, both at Grace Community Church in Toledo, Iowa.

Born July 23, 1988, in Grinnell to Daniel and Julie (Graham) Rathjen, Dan grew up in Tama, Iowa. He graduated from South Tama County High School (2006), earned an AA degree from Marshalltown Community College (2007), and received BA (2009) and MA (2011) degrees in Sociology from the University of Iowa.

Dan lived and worked in Chicago, where he was a property manager, carpenter, landlord, and was also a licensed realtor. No matter what the role, he was known for working hard and helping others.

Dan loved spending time with his daughter, Zelda, his family, and friends. Growing up going to the farm, he developed a love for working outdoors and enjoyed helping friends and neighbors with projects. He was naturally bright, and learning came easily to him. He had an amazing sense of humor and loved all kinds of music and ethnic foods.

Dan was a constant light that shone on people around him. He was a wonderful son, brother, and father, who never met a stranger and loved people as taught by his Savior, Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his daughter, Zelda, who he adored; his mother, Julie Rathjen; his sisters, Tara Rathjen, Laura Rathjen, and Katelyn (Clay) Gettle; and his brother, Devin (Megan) Rathjen. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Autumn (Josh) Drewelow, Derek Rathjen, Ian Rathjen, Keira Rathjen, Jaxson Rathjen, Hudson Rathjen, Sadie Gettle, Brady Gettle, and Ilah Rathjen.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dan Rathjen, in 2023; his paternal grandparents, Melvin and Marjorie Rathjen; and his maternal grandparents, Mike and Jean Graham.

In lieu of flowers, plants, or stones, the family has established a memorial fund for his daughter, Zelda. Cards and memorials can be sent to Julie Rathjen, PO Box 2, Tama, IA 52339.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.