Daniel L. Rawlings

Jul 26, 1985 -

Jan 28, 2021

Daniel Luke Rawlings, 35, passed away on Jan. 28, 2021. He was born in Michigan and raised in Walton Hills, Ohio, by loving parents Tim and Janet Rawlings. He was a daring adventurer who moved to Alaska, at the age of 19, to attend college, where he met and married his wife Stephanie. Daniel earned a B.A. in justice and a M.A.T. from the University of Alaska Anchorage. He and Stephanie spent 16 years exploring and growing together through traveling, hiking, fishing and camping, as well as their biggest adventure of all – becoming parents to Timmy, 6, and Lucy, 4. He will forever be remembered as a devoted and fun-loving dad. The laughter he generated through monster tickles and climbing the mountain playtime was unforgettable. Some of Timmy's favorite memories include riding on his dad's back while swimming in the pool and watching their favorite animal shows together on Sunday nights. Lucy loved having her dad style her hair with an abundance of accessories and when he would dance with her and sing Mockingbird. Daniel was a leader, a teacher and an entertainer, with a great sense of humor and a natural ability to embrace others whole-heartedly. He was an incredible character and friend who enjoyed sports of every kind: playing football and wrestling at his alma mater St. Edward, coaching wrestling at West Anchorage High School and pursuing epic fan status of everything Cleveland. We were blessed to experience his vibrant personality, lively storytelling and joy for life. Daniel will be deeply missed. Preceded in death by his father, Timothy; grandparents, William and Joan Rawlings; and grandfather, Gerald Owens. He is survived by his wife of eight years, Stephanie (Sparks); his children, Timothy and Lucy; his mother, Janet Rawlings; brother, David Rawlings; sister, Heather Reiner (Chris); grandmother, Clemie Owens; uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to many.

Friends and family may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, at Ferfolia Funeral Home in Sagamore Hills, Ohio. and are invited to gather for a Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Daniel's life at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, at the Immaculate Conception of St. Mary Catholic Church in Bedford, Ohio. If you are unable to attend the funeral, you may view the service recording here http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/47258. An account has been established at Alaska USA Federal Credit Union for those who may wish to contribute to the care of Daniel's children.