Delores J. Rathjen

Delores Jean Rathjen, 86, of Davenport, formerly of Long Grove, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at the Kahl Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30th at Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening at the funeral home, with a Rosary service beginning at 4:00p.m. Burial will be at Long Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Holy Family Catholic Church to benefit the Blessing Box food pantry outreach program.

Delores was born on October 26, 1938 in Davenport, the daughter of William and Rose Marie (Kundel) Dittman. On February 15, 1958, she married Donald H. Rathjen at Faith Lutheran Church, Eldridge. Together, they made their home in Long Grove, raising their two daughters and two sons.

Delores was a proud and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She found great joy in her family and spending time with them. One of her favorite times of year was Christmastime and her home was the center of many Christmas Eve gatherings. She loved decorating, gathering gifts, baking cookies, and celebrating the magic of the season. Her family will continue to remember her fondly at Christmas and share in her joy of the holiday season with each other.

Beyond the holidays, Delores prioritized being there for every important milestone and event for her family. She was always seated in the audience, out in the crowd, or situated in a church pew whenever a concert, competition, or celebration was to be had. She was especially proud of her six granddaughters and collected many photographs, newspaper clippings, and mementos from their time growing up. It was never a question whether grandma loved her girls – she loved them deeply and they knew it. Her love grew as her granddaughters got married and welcomed children of their own.

In addition to celebrating her family, Delores worked hard to contribute to her household and actively gave back to her community. She was creative and loved to do crafts. She used her talents to give back to the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI) and facilitated different crafting projects for their gatherings in Long Grove, Eldridge, and Davenport. She liked being in others’ company and valued how CASI created space for community and conversation.

As an individual, Delores liked country music, shopping, a good cup of coffee, and a sweet treat. If you came over to her house, you could expect to be offered something to eat and drink – and she was adamant that you had something before you left. She was a woman who would paint her nails, put on lipstick, and do her hair one minute. And the next, she could be found watching football or basketball, cheering on her favorite teams – the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Bears.

Throughout her life, Delores showed others how much she loved them. She gave the best hugs and said “I love you” often. In her final months, she found great peace in her faith in God. Her family is grateful to know that she is now with God and continuing to enjoy all their family moments together – big and small – from Heaven.

Those left to honor her memory are her husband, Donald Rathjen of Davenport; her children, Debra (Frank) Sadd of Davenport, Donald (Sharon) Rathjen of Grand Mound, Denise (Vincent) Jackovich of Eldridge, and Daniel Rathjen of LaHarpe, Illinois; six grandchildren, Jennifer (Michael) Howard, Laura (Brian) Nagle, Megan (Jeremy) Swanson, Justine (Jon) Hines, Katharine (Tye) Correy, and Hope Rathjen; ten great-grandchildren, one step-great-granddaughter, and two step-great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by six brothers, Ralph, Harvey, Arnold, Marvin, Richard, and Raymond.