Daniel P. Dahlstrom, 57, of Des Moines, IA, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025. Everyone who knew him agrees that Dan was an adventurer, a true free spirit, and all things rock 'n' roll. He was a kind and beautiful person, and a friend to many.

Dan was born on April 7, 1968, in Geneva, IL, to Lavon and Martha Dahlstrom, the youngest of four children. The family moved to Waverly, IA, the following year, where they remained for the next decade. During those formative years, Dan attended St. Paul's Lutheran school, developed friendships that persist to this day, learned to ski, and, while on family vacations, developed a deep love for Colorado. Stories of his childhood are woven with adventures at the YMCA of the Rockies and Estes Park, as siblings and friends recall days spent exploring and building the foundation for a lifelong love of the mountains.

The family moved to Urbandale, Iowa, in December 1978, where Dan attended Mt Olive Lutheran Elementary School and Urbandale Junior High School. He graduated from Urbandale Senior High in May 1986. Upon graduation, Dan moved to Fort Collins, CO, to attend Colorado State University, where he met and married Kim Mercer. After graduation, he stayed there to attend graduate school and raise his family.

Among his passions were music, literature, and a love for the outdoors. Whether camping in the mountains, supporting local musicians, or traveling across the country for a Grateful Dead show, he believed in the power of nature and creativity to heal and inspire. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Dan took his love of music and built a concert promotion company to foster independent music in the Fort Collins area.

At the heart of Dan's joy were his three children, whom he missed dearly whenever he was away from them. Countless friendships, some spanning decades, are a testament to a life lived with loyalty and affection.

Dan is survived by his children: Gavin, Ian, and Anna of Colorado; father, Lavon Dahlstrom of Clive; siblings: David Dahlstrom and Sara Dahlstrom of West Des Moines; Donald (Suzanne) Dahlstrom of Clive; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Dahlstrom.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at LeRette Funeral Chapel. Luncheon will follow at Bethlehem Lutheran church. Burial will be in the Mamre Cemetery at Stanton, Iowa, at a later date. In addition, a Celebration of Life will be held in Colorado at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.