Douglas "Doug" Rafdal

Doug Rafdal, 78, of Urbandale, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, August 15, 2025.

Doug was born in 1946 in Ames, Iowa, to Elwood and Beulah Rafdal. He grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1964. He later attended the University of Iowa before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1968, where he served with honor and saw combat in Vietnam.

In 1974, Doug married the love of his life, Jeanne Hollen. Together, they shared more than 50 years of marriage, raising their son Eric, who was born in 1976. Doug’s career included both the insurance industry and the radio business, including many years at 1040 WHO Radio in Des Moines, where his outgoing personality found a natural home.

Doug was larger than life. He loved telling stories, sharing laughs, never taking himself too seriously. His loud, unmistakable laugh left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He was the life of the party, a devoted friend, and a beloved coach of youth basketball, where he shared his love of the game with his son, nieces, and nephews. During his working days in the radio business, his friends Bill Rooney and Kelli Conger were especially important to him. Doug was an avid fan of the University of Iowa, never missing an opportunity to root for Hawkeye football and basketball. In recent years, he especially enjoyed following the career of Caitlin Clark, cheering for her with great enthusiasm.

Above all, Doug was a family man who cherished time with his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elwood and Beulah, and his sisters, Marla and Deborah. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; his son, Eric (and his wife Kate) of Florida; his sister, Pamela (and her husband, Jack); his brother, Dave (and his wife Marci); and his sisters-in-law, Maxine Hudson, Joni Hollen and Susan Hollen. He will be deeply missed by countless friends and family who loved him dearly.

The family will greet friends Friday, August 22, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Doug will be laid to rest with military honors at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa at a later date. For those unable to attend in person, the family invites you to join them virtually through the link in his obituary found on Hamilton’s website.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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