Wallace A. Rhinehart

Wallace A. Rhinehart, age 90, of Brooklyn, passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at the Brooklyn Community Estate. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday, June 13, 2022 at Grace United Methodist Church, Brooklyn. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at Grace United Methodist Church, Brooklyn, with Pastor Joyce Proctor officiating. Inurnment will be in the Brooklyn Memorial Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Brooklyn American Legion Post #294 and the U.S. Air Force Color Guard. Memorial gifts may be sent to Grinnell Regional Hospice. Kloster Funeral Home, Brooklyn, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Wallace is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marian; three children, Daniel (Jan) Rhinehart, of Round Rock, TX, David (Pury) Rhinehart, of Tampico, Mexico and Kathy Ruud, currently of Brooklyn; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and three siblings, Opal Septer, Marilyn Dickson, and Janet Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Mabel, two brothers, Charles and Jim, granddaughter Amy, and son-in-law Kevin.

Wally was born November 5, 1931, in Brooklyn, the son of Leo and Mabel (White) Rhinehart, and was raised on a farm in the area. The family attended the Church of the Brethren. He graduated from Brooklyn High School in 1950. Wally enlisted in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1954 and took training in aircraft mechanics. Following his four years of service, he worked as a civilian aircraft mechanic at Stead Airforce Base in Reno, NV and at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, NV. Wally was united in marriage to Marian Herberth on March 7, 1954 in Reno, NV, four months after they met on a blind date.

Wherever Wally lived, he found a way to raise rabbits and birds, and to grow corn. Upon his retirement, he returned to Brooklyn and created a small farm on V18 Road. He raised goats, donkeys, peacocks, pheasants, sheep, deer, ducks, cats and dogs. Wally delighted in sharing the animals with his grandchildren, other family members, and random visitors who would stop by. He and his brother Jim flew ultralight aircraft around Brooklyn, carrying on the family aviation tradition which started with the Piper Cub his father and uncles flew.

Wally was known for his hard work, his sense of humor, his integrity, and his patience. A man of simple and steadfast faith, he was a good steward, caring for his property and his family with thoughtfulness. He loved to tease, especially Marian. Together, they loved being a part of the Brooklyn community, and many will fondly remember seeing them walking together into church or the store.

The family wishes to thank the many who have shown their care and concern during Wally's recent illness. Your kindness will be remembered.

Online condolences may be left at www.klosterfuneralhome.com