Donald H. Rathjen, 90, of Davenport and formerly of Eldridge, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at MercyOne Genesis in Davenport.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 20, 2026 at Chambers Funeral Home in Eldridge. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Long Grove Christian Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Holy Family Catholic Church to benefit the Blessing Box food pantry outreach program or to Faith Lutheran Church of Eldridge.

Don was born June 4, 1935 in Scott County, the son of Arthur & Wilma (Goettsch) Rathjen. He was a veteran of the United States Army and was a longtime member of the Donahue American Legion. 

On February 15, 1958, he was united in marriage to Delores Jean Dittman at Faith Lutheran Church in Eldridge. Together, they made their home in Long Grove, raising their two daughters and two sons. She preceded him in death on April 24, 2025.

Don had been employed for forty-two years with the Eldridge Cooperative. He was a longtime member of the Long Grove Volunteer Fire Department and the Lions Club of Long Grove. Don had also served for a time with the Long Grove City Council. In recent years, he could be seen helping out at the pumpkin patch in Long Grove.

Don was a faithful husband and father who worked hard to provide for his family, which was something instilled in him from his beginning. Don loved growing up on the family farm alongside his six brothers and two sisters. After moving to town to establish his own home, he continued to visit the farm and tell his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren about his roots – riding horses, tending to livestock, and raising crops. He nurtured his family history by planting a large garden in his backyard, which was filled with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and potatoes. He was proud to show others how his crops were doing and would happily chat while swinging next to his old tool shed. A testament to his love for his upbringing, Don continued to talk about his family and the farm in the hours leading up to his death.

Don also loved music and dancing. In their younger years, he and Delores spent many weekends attending dances at the Fairyland Ballroom. His favorite music was country music, but he enjoyed orchestral music and polka, as well. As his dancing days started to fade, he continued listening to music through television programs like The Lawrence Welk Show and The Mollie B. Polka Party.

In addition to caring for his family, Don was a good neighbor and friend. He liked to play cards, especially Euchre. He also helped Delores host many gatherings at their home. Family and friends would visit them, especially during the Long Grove Strawberry Festival and Christmastime. He liked to grill in the summertime, a real meat and potatoes man, and he was always glad to share a beer with others. He tended to be adamant on having a beverage when you came to visit.

It is hard to capture 90 years of life well-lived. Don was a farmer and a cowboy at heart. He was a fan of old Western movies, RFD-TV, and the Chicago Cubs. He was happy to go for a drive in his red pick-up truck even as it rusted away. He always made sure to have a clean shave and a nice haircut.

Only 356 days separated Don and Delores at the end. We can all find hope that Don and Delores have found greener pastures together and are dancing once again. 

Those left to honor his memory include his 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; four step-great-great-grandchildren; his sisters, Charlene Littrel of Washington and Marlene Paulson of Long Grove; his brother, Alan (Joyce) Rathjen of Eldridge; and his sister-in-law, Carol Rathjen of Princeton.

In addition to his wife, Delores, Don was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Delmer, LaVerne, Norman, Lester and Darrell.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Don’s obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.