DAN ALLEN ROHDE

Dear Dad,

You left us on June 18, 2025, at home, just one day before you and Mom would have celebrated 49 years of marriage. You were 75. We weren’t ready to say goodbye.

You were born on February 6, 1950, in West Burlington, Iowa, to Kermit and Jeanette. After high school, you followed your love of words and ideas to the University of Iowa, where you earned degrees in English Education and Guidance Counseling and fully embraced the ‘70’s. But more importantly (at least to me), that’s where you met Mom — the cute English major who sat next to you in a children’s lit class. You married her on June 19, 1976, and built a life together. After a few Iowa moves you settled in Muscatine — her hometown, and eventually mine too.

You spent nearly three decades teaching English at Muscatine High School, shaping countless minds and taking many, many Fridays to have some jam sessions in class.

You were a man of infinite hobbies and endless curiosity: Aikido, Tai Chi, photography, painting, piano, guitar, creative writing, Sudoku, taste testing insanely spicy hot sauces, and more. You were always creating, exploring, always learning something new. You never let life get boring.

Then, in 1989, I came along — your one and only kiddo. And speaking from my first-hand experience, you were an expert from day one. You taught me how to see beauty in the ordinary, how to laugh at myself, and how to stay weird in the best way. You introduced me to music, writing, art, and a kind of lighthearted wisdom that shaped who I am. You never tried to be perfect — just present. And that meant everything.

Later came your greatest delights: Peter, Maeve, and Erin — your grandkids, your crew. You lit up with them, building LEGO empires, drawing masterpieces, writing Mr. Junk stories, and telling mildly inappropriate jokes that made them howl. You were their Grandpa Dan, and they adored you.

You leave behind Mom “MK” and me, your forever “peach.” Nolan, who grew to love you like a father. Your grandkids, who miss you fiercely already. Aunt Beth and Uncle Jim, along with cousins Katie and Daniel — and so many friends and former students who you mattered to over the years.

I wish we had more time, Dad. I wish I could hear one more offbeat joke that made Mom’s eyes roll, see one more sketch, hear you jamming at the piano again.

I love you so much. 10-4.

Anne

Per Dan’s request, there will be no visitation or public services held. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Any memorials or donations can be directed to the Muscatine YMCA. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.