Obituaries : Daniel “Dan” Rathje

     Daniel “Dan” Rathje, 65, passed away suddenly on January 16, 2026.

     Dan was born in Cedar Rapids on August 17, 1960, to Glen and Dixie (Pierce) Rathje and raised in Newhall.

     Dan was known to many as “DANgerous” and lived life full throttle, on his own terms. He worked as a diesel mechanic, a career well suited to his mechanical skills and love for anything that went fast. He spent his happiest days in his cabin on the river, which was basically his natural habitat. If you were looking for him, you’d usually find him there — coffee in hand, wind in his face, and a grin that said he was exactly where he belonged.

     Survivors include his fiancée, Carey Blanchard; children April (Martin) Rathje, Casey (Megan) Rathje, and Krystal Rathje; 15 grandchildren, Alexis, Jaydon, Brody, Ashur, Charlie, Jackson, Dre, Raeleigh, Riley, Charlotte, Eden, Nevaeh, Aydan, Declan, Octivia; and siblings Kris (Jerry) Sauer and Craig (Kay) Rathje.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Dixie Schulte and Glen Rathje.

     A memorial visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel (212 E 6^thSt., Vinton) with a memorial service to follow at 5:00 PM. 

     Memorials can be directed to April Rathje, 1210 10^th St NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405.