Daniel "Danny" John Rothbauer Jr.

Daniel "Danny" John Rothbauer Jr., age 28, of Cottage Grove, MN, passed away peacefully at home on January 13, 2025, in the loving arms of his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6 PM on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th Street S.; Cottage Grove, MN with a visitation from 3-6 PM prior to the service. Private interment will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Maplewood, MN.

Danny is survived by his devoted parents, Dan and Deanna Rothbauer; honorary grandparents, Cathy and Rick Lyle; cherished life-long family friends Tammy and Tim Hickey and their daughters Kristin, Stacy, and Katie; and beloved cousins Jennifer Jaspers and Erin McNish. He will also be deeply missed by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends. Danny was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Tom and Colleen Rothbauer; maternal grandfather, Maynard Johnson; and maternal grandparents, Janice and Robert Williams.

Born on February 1, 1996, in St. Paul, MN, Danny spent the first five months of his life in the NICU due to complications of prematurity and CHARGE syndrome. Despite facing significant health challenges throughout his life, he lived with remarkable strength, resilience, and determination. Danny's zest for life was truly inspiring. Ever the optimist, he eagerly anticipated every new adventure or home improvement project. He loved celebrations of all kinds, giving and receiving gifts, and tackling home improvement projects with enthusiasm.

Danny was known for his intelligence, curiosity, amazing memory and the best hugs anyone could ask for. His pure heart and boundless capacity for love touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. How lucky we are to have shared in the life of such a remarkable soul.

Memorials are preferred to the family to be distributed among Danny's favorite charities. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him and inspire us to live with the same joy and love he so generously shared.