Rufus Daniels

Rufus Daniels

Troy Mills

Rufus William Daniels, 75, of Troy Mills, passed away suddenly with loved ones by his side on March 2, 2025, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Rufus was born on November 7, 1949, in Aurelia, IA to Louis and Celia (Lewis) Daniels. He was a one-of-a-kind individual who embraced a life filled with hard work, generosity, laughter, a sense of community and a deep love for the outdoors. He graduated from Aurelia High School in 1968 where he met his future wife Nancy (Robinson). He then went on to pursue his passion for teaching at Westmar College, earning a teaching degree that would guide him through a very fulfilling career.

He married Nancy in 1971, and they left their western Iowa hometown for Rufus’s first teaching job with the North Linn school district. As an industrial arts teacher at the high school and middle schools, he found immense joy in helping students discover their potential. He had incredible patience when teaching anyone new skills. After retirement he continued to share his knowledge through College for Kids at Coe College, an annual highlight that kept his love for teaching alive.

Beyond the classroom, Rufus was drawn to nature’s quiet beauty. Whether casting a fishing line into still waters with a beer in his hand, setting out to hunt deer at dawn with his boys, or gathering around a successful fire under the stars, he found peace and purpose in the great outdoors. Fishing remained a lifelong passion for he and Nancy, one that brought him both solitude and cherished moments with family and friends.

Nancy and Rufus built an idyllic life for themselves and their family in the small town of Troy Mills, Iowa and always enjoyed the camaraderie that the small community brought with it. Rufus was never afraid of hard work and believed that with a little elbow grease he could fix just about anything. Known for his kindness and unwavering generosity he never hesitated to help anyone in need and carried the heart of a teacher far beyond the walls of any classroom. His deep connection to his community brought him great pride, whether it was his days coaching little league, helping out as a boy scout leader or protecting his little town on the volunteer fire department, and serving on the Walker Lions Club with so many of his friends. In his later years he found great joy in going on daily tours of his little town, keeping up on local happenings and most of all appreciating the people who made it so special.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years Nancy and their daughter Sonya Thornton (Darrin Eige) of Cedar Rapids as well as extended family in Northwest Iowa and Eden Prairie, MN.

He was preceded in death by his and Nancy’s parents, as well as their son Shawn, son-in-law Derek Thornton, his brother Ray and his brother-in-law, Jeff Robinson. Rufus had lost entirely too many of his good buddies in recent years and we know they are all gathered together again with brews and fishing poles surrounded with laughter.

Rufus’s warmth, wisdom and heartfelt belly laugh will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory bring comfort to those who loved him.

A celebration of Rufus’s life will be held on April 6, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Troy Mills Legion Hall in Troy Mills, IA

Memorials and condolences may be sent to Nancy Daniels, PO Box 62, Troy Mills, IA 52344