Dan D. Rahn

The world lost a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and neighbor with the passing of Dan Rahn, age 80, of Trenton, IL. Dan died peacefully at his home on Friday, November 21, 2025.

Born on October 10, 1945, at the Naval Air Station in Coos Bay, Oregon, Dan was the son of Charlotte David Allison and Walter Douglas Rahn. He graduated from Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, IL, where he was captain of both the football and wrestling teams. He proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. America from 1965–1967. With the G.I. Bill, he went on to earn dual degrees in speech pathology and audiology from SIUE in 1972, where he also met the love of his life, Margie.

Dan is survived by his children: Courtney (Dan) Travous of Trenton, IL; Kathryne (Paul) Abramson of Santa Barbara, CA; and David Rahn of Las Vegas, NV; and by his cherished grandchildren: Dean Daniel Travous, Grace Kathryne Travous, John Walter Abramson, and Michael Rahn Abramson. He is also survived by his brother, Larry Rahn; sisters-in-law Judy (Al Stahl) Koch and Mary Pat Kurrus; niece Beth (Jeff) Junker and their children Ellie, Cole, and Brooke; nephews Phillip (Jennifer) Koch and their children Maebree, Jack Cipfl, and Madelyn; Ryan (Annette) Kurrus and their children Andrew, Patrick, Nathan, and John; and Michael (Melinda) Kurrus and their children Jacob, Bella, and Tori.

Dan’s extended family and close circle of friends enriched his life, including Judy Doyle; Chad (Tricia) Doyle and their children Drew and Riley; Karen (Mike) Reilly and their son Jack; and dear friends Stan Serwatka, Ron Stanley, Tom and MaryKay Prott, Rick Bingheim, Carolyn Powell, Linda Cassin, and Kitty Klobasa. Dan treasured his friendships and was immeasurably proud of his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Marjorie Rahn; his daughter, Meredith Rahn; his parents Charlotte (Ken) Alison and Walter Rahn; Cleo and Vernon Kurrus; his brother, Col. Robert Kurrus; and dear friends Carol Casper, Mike Cassin, Ronnie Doyle, and Ed Powell.

Dan devoted his entire career to special education, retiring from the Granite City School District after 34 years as their speech pathologist. For 27 of those years, he personally transported students with disabilities and constantly invented tools and equipment to make movement and life easier for them. He was honored with “Who’s Who in American Teaching” and “Those Who Excel” awards for his exceptional dedication. His service extended to the community as well where he served as President of the OLA Men’s Club, President of the School Board, and was a proud member of the American Legion.

Known lovingly as the “fixer of everything,” Dan could always be counted on if you needed a board cut, a hard-to-find tool, or a part that only he would have. Stopping by his garage for a quick visit was rarely quick. Dan’s big heart, easy conversation, and love of a good chat kept friends and neighbors lingering, usually with a frosty cold one.

He loved woodworking, building bars and pool tables for friends and family, scrounging at the junk yard, vintage cars, and “putzing” in his garage.

Dan loved to be at the center of the celebration. A proper celebration of life, complete with barbecue “nibblies” and Keystone, will be announced at a later date.

Friends wishing to honor his life of 80 years are invited to make a donation in his name to the MS Society or locally at the Clinton County Humane Society and will be received by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St., Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.