Daniel J. Rodriguez

Daniel J. Rodriguez, 34, of Merrill, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2025, at his home.

Daniel was born December 17, 1990, in Minneapolis, MN, son of Gilberto and Lynn (Wanden) Rodriguez. In 1991, the family moved to Michigan and six years later they moved to Merrill. Daniel graduated from Merrill High School with the class of 2009. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marines Corps. He served active duty for six years and inactive duty for two years. Daniel was initially stationed in Twentynine Palms, CA. After three years in California, he served overseas where he specialized in the protection of the United States Embassies. His first assignment was Kabul, Afghanistan, before he headed off to Ankara, Turkey. His final assignment in security detail work was spent in southeast Africa. During this time, Daniel also took online courses through Columbia University. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership.

Daniel worked at the Lincoln County Sheriff Office as a Correctional Officer. He then worked as an IT Network Analyst for City County IT Commission. He supported Marathon County, the city of Wausau, and North Central Health Care providing IT services. Around the office, Daniel was known for his expressive personality and good-natured sense of humor. He enjoyed organizing staff gatherings and always setup and ran the inter-office bags competitions, which he typically won.

In his free time, Daniel enjoyed golfing, playing bags, and volleyball. He was always active and loved making people smile. He was loud and outspoken, often being told to quiet down. Above all, Daniel was a great friend and was loved by many.

Daniel is survived by his parents, Lynn Rodriguez and Gilberto Rodriguez both of Merrill; children, Daxn and Danika Rodriguez; brother, Jordan Rodriguez of Merrill; former spouse, Nicole Rodriguez; maternal grandmother, Linda Lane of Merrill; maternal grandfather, John (Janet) Wanden of Ironwood, MI; paternal grandfather, Luis Raul (Celia Estrada) Rodriguez of Guatemala; his dog, Nala; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of Daniel’s Life, including military rites, will be held at a later date.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com