Obituary: DANNY LEE RINEHART
Danny Lee Rinehart, 76, of Davis City, Iowa, was born December 29, 1948, in Mount Ayr, Iowa to Calvin & Leatrice Rinehart. Danny was raised in Diagonal, Iowa along with his siblings Diane, Steve, Jerry, and Debbie. He attended Diagonal Community School.
In 1969, Danny was drafted into the Vietnam War, serving in the United States Army. He served in Vietnam and Korea from 1969 to 1977, when he was honorably discharged. Danny earned several medals and honors during his time in the military.
On September 23, 1971, Danny was blessed with the birth of his beloved son, Johnny Rinehart.
On September 3, 1986, Danny married the love of his life, Virginia, and they made their home in Diagonal, Iowa for several years. Danny worked for the railroad for many years and enjoyed collecting railroad memorabilia. Danny was a member of the Diagonal Lions Club. His love for nature, hunting, and fishing brought him and Virginia to purchase land and build a home of their dreams in rural Davis City, Iowa. Their home was surrounded by acres of hunting and fishing opportunities near Nine Eagles State Park.
Danny loved to shoot pool, and he had a weekly pool gathering in his shed every Sunday for a special group of friends.
Danny loved his friends and neighbors and was always willing to help anyone. He was a kind man and a man of his word.
Danny’s family cared for him in his home these past few months and he peacefully passed away early July 5, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin & Leatrice Rinehart; sister Diane Hartly of Greenfield, IA and brother Steve Rinehart of San Antonia, TX.
He is survived by his wife Virginia (Jeanne) Rinehart of Davis City; son Johnny (Christine) Rinehart of Des Moines, IA; step-son Kenny (Christy) Roberts of Johnston, IA; step-daughter RoseAnne Baisa of Houston, TX; grandchildren Shelbie Miller, Tyler Bass, Austin Roberts, Megan Nunez, Brandon Roberts, Jayden Wada; 1 great grandson and 2 great granddaughters; brother Jerry Rinehart of Des Moines, IA and sister Debbie Burton of Maloy, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Danny was not a fan of dress clothes, so the family is asking for casual, comfortable attire to be worn to Danny’s service. A visitation will be held at the Living Hope Church in Leon, Iowa on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a Celebration of Life service beginning at 11 a.m. A flag presentation will be conducted by the US Army Honor Guard. A private family burial will be held at a later date in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at Van Meter. Memorials are to the Diagonal Lions Club. Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr is in charge of the arrangements.
