Dan Rother, affectionately known as “Danny Boy,” “Buckwheat,” and “Dan the Man,” was a pillar of the Hastings community. Born April 2, 1959, to Mary and Edward Rother, Dan was raised on Red Wing Blvd in Hastings, MN. A proud Hastings Raider from the class of 1977, he excelled as a star tight end and was crowned homecoming king.
In 1979, Dan started his photography business in Hastings, capturing timeless memories for families throughout the community. His passion for photography was matched only by his commitment to serving others, demonstrated through his roles as a committee member, chair, board member or President of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce, Rivertown Days and Hastings Rotary. The only shortfall in his service to Hastings was when he didn’t win the Rivertown Days Kiss the Pig contest despite being nominated. As a small business owner, Dan was a fierce advocate for fellow business owners, supporting them as a patron and promoting them. His contributions to various local initiatives will leave a lasting impact on our community for generations to come. In recognition of his lifelong efforts, he was honored with the 2023 Legacy Award from the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau.
Dan’s interests were vast, ranging from playing golf every Wednesday with his usual foursome to deer hunting with his uncles, tending to his yard and perfecting ribs on the Big Green Egg.
On October 15, 2024, Dan celebrated 40 devoted years of marriage to his beloved wife, Jackie. He was a fun-loving and dedicated father to his daughter, Laura, and son, Nick, and a proud and joy-filled grandfather to Brooke, William and Addison.
Strong in his faith, Dan was known for his kindness and his ability to uplift those around him. He was also famous for his homemade chocolate chip cookies, which brought joy to many. Dan’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched through his service, friendship, and love.
Dan is survived by his wife, Jackie; son Nick, his wife Abby, and their daughter, Addison; daughter Laura (Becker), her husband Joe, and their children Brooke and William; mother, Mary Rother; brothers, Gary (Kris) Rother, Dale (Julie) Rother, Dave Rother, and Gordy (Cindy) Rother; sister, Deb (Matt) Langenfeld; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Rother, and his niece Abbey Rother.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Friday, November 22, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.
Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 4-8 p.m. Thursday evening at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings, and from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at church on Friday morning. Following the funeral service, the family is hosting a lunch at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.
Dan was influential in bringing the Cycling Without Age program to Hastings. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hastings Rotary Foundation to purchase a trishaw bike for the Cycling Without Age program, honoring Dan’s commitment to service and community.
His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
For guestbook and further information, please visit www.hastingsmnfuneral.com
Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.
