Daniel Ahlquist

Daniel John Ahlquist, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on May 16th, at the age of 39.
Dan was born to Daniel and Martha Ahlquist (Donovan) on January 26th, 1984, in Hartford, Connecticut, and spent his childhood in Bristol, Connecticut. In 2005, Dan enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as a F-16 avionics technician and later a C-130 flight engineer. In 2008, Dan was assigned to the Little Rock Air Force Base where he met the love of his life, Nina Rodriguez, whom he married in 2013.
As a flight engineer, Dan was assigned to and deployed with the 53rd Airlift Squadron, before he transitioned to the 189th Airlift Squadron with the AR Air National Guard. While serving in the Air National Guard, he completed his bachelor's degree in computer science at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Upon graduating Dan began his second career as a software engineer.
In 2017, Dan and Nina welcomed their daughter Esmeralda into their family. Dan was a natural-born caregiver and an exceedingly proud and devoted father. Esmeralda and Dan shared a love for leisurely trips to the zoo, gazing up at the night sky, and birdwatching. They spent many a weekend side by side crafting, playing board games, and swimming at the pool.
Dan was known to his friends and family as an avid reader, crossword puzzler, gourmet, math aficionado and teller of dad jokes. He was endlessly curious and quietly artistic. He spent his free time making intricately tie-dyed t-shirts, writing short fiction, and constructing original crossword puzzles. He was passionate about freshly baked bread and long soaks in the bathtub. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, wit, and his unconditional love as a father, partner, and friend.
Dan is preceded in death by his parents Martha Donovan Ahlquist and Daniel Ahlquist. He is survived by his wife, Nina Rodriguez, daughter, Esmeralda Ahlquist, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Ste B1, Little Rock, AR 72205.
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