Daniel "Dan" Patrick Rector

Please join the family of Dan Rector to celebrate his life and share happy memories on Saturday, July 10, 2021, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the South Side Boat Club. Refreshments will be served.

Daniel “Dan” Patrick Rector, 71, of Nauvoo, Illinois, formerly of Keokuk, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at Fort Madison Community Hospital in Fort Madison, Iowa.

Dan was born on February 20, 1949, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Ed and Jean (Hayes) Rector. In 1971, he was united in marriage to Laurie Steffey in Keokuk, Iowa. They were later divorced. Dan graduated from Cardinal Stritch High School in 1967 and received a Bachelors in English from Northeast Missouri State University in 1973.

Dan spent his working career as a painter and was a master in historic restoration. He was a talented carver and woodworking artist and was especially gifted at carving ducks. He enjoyed spending his free time gardening, listening to music and reading. He was also a devoted grandfather to his grandchildren, always writing cards and carving wooden creations for them.

Dan is survived by his daughter Katie (Chris) Gilbert of Louisville, Kentucky; two grandchildren: Henry and Sylvie Gilbert of Louisville; five siblings: John (Jackie) Rector of Florida, David (Carolyn) Rector of Keokuk, Julie Rector Hodies of California, Pat (Lorrie) Rector of Keokuk and Mark (Julie) Rector of Keokuk; his sister-in-law Mary Ann Rector of Des Moines, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his former spouse Sherry Mills and her family.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Tim.

Due to Covid-19, a celebration of Dan’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association or the Keokuk Public Library.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Daniel "Dan" Patrick Rector, please visit our floral store.