Daniel Rathjen, 72

Daniel Rathjen, 72, passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at his home from a brain tumor. He died surrounded by his family and under the care of Iowa River Hospice. A Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 4 to 7 PM at Grace Community Church in Toledo. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Grace Community Church.

Daniel York Rathjen was born on December 21, 1950, in Belle Plaine, Iowa. He was the son of Melvin and Marjorie (York) Rathjen.

Dan was raised on a dairy farm in Iowa County. He attended country school in Sumner Township until the 2nd grade when it was closed, and he began attending Iowa Valley in Marengo. He graduated from Iowa Valley High School in 1969. He received a BA in Finance in 1973 from the University of Iowa. He earned his Juris Doctorate in 1975 from the University of Iowa College of Law.

In 1975, he began practicing law with Willett & Willett law firm in Tama. In 1978, the firm would become Willett & Rathjen, Lawyers. He served as City Attorney for almost every city in Tama County at one time or another. He served as the Tama City Attorney for many years. He practiced law for 48 years and retired in 2023. He felt privileged to have served his clients well – some families for 3 generations.

On December 4, 1982, he married Julie Graham in Iowa City, Iowa. The couple raised 5 children.

Dan loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved working outdoors and keeping up his yard at home and the family farm. He attended Grace Community Church in Toledo.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Julie. His children: Tara Rathjen, Laura Rathjen, Devin (Megan) Rathjen, Daniel Rathjen, and Katelyn (Clay) Gettle. His grandchildren: Autumn (Josh) Drewelow, Derek Rathjen, Ian Rathjen, Keira Rathjen, Jaxson Rathjen, Hudson Rathjen, Sadie Gettle and Zelda Rathjen. One great grandchild, Ilah Rathjen, his sister, Sharlee Feller and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Larry Rathjen and a special aunt & uncle, Iva & Everett Lillie.

The family requests no flowers, plants, or stones. Instead, they ask that you donate to your favorite charity or Iowa River Hospice and let the family know what you chose.

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