Raymond G. Rinehart, 85, passed away Feb. 13, 2022, at his home in Victor of natural causes. Ser-vices were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 18, at Smith Funeral Home in Victor. Burial was in Victor Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be designated to the Raymond Rinehart Memorial Fund and mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.
Raymond was born Mar. 6, 1936, on the family farm in rural Victor, a twin son of Robert and Theresa (Hartmann) Rinehart. He was raised on the farm that has been in the family since 1867. He attended Guernsey High School and graduated in 1954. Raymond and his twin brother Robert were drafted into the Navy in 1956 and were honorably discharged.
May 3, 1959, he was united in marriage to Donnabelle Burke in Victor. They purchased a farm in 1959 where Donnabelle and Raymond lived the rest of their lives. The original farm house was eventually replaced by one that Raymond and his brother Robert built together. The couple had three children together: Mark, Julie, and Lisa. Raymond was a lifelong farmer until his retirement in 2003. He was passionate about farming. He also worked for Smith Funeral Home assisting with funeral services. He was a valued staff member for the Smith family, as he was outgoing, friendly, compassionate, and hard working. Raymond enjoyed piloting for over 32 years. He and his brother co-owned a Grumman American Tiger airplane. He enjoyed dancing to big band music with Donnabelle, which is what brought them together, and spending time with his family and friends. He will be remembered for being outgoing, a prankster, loving to laugh, and his patience. Raymond and his brother Robert had a special bond as they did everything together, drafted in the Navy, farming, and piloting.
Raymond is survived by his children: Mark (Mary) Rinehart of Cedar Rapids, Julie Steuber of Johnston, and Lisa Rinehart of Des Moines; one granddaughter Tressa Steuber of Madison, WI; three grandsons Raymond (Brittney) Rinehart of Cedar Rapids, Robert (Emily) Rinehart of Cedar Rapids, and Tyler Steuber of North Liberty; one great-granddaughter Mila Rinehart, daughter of Raymond and Brittney, who he was very happy he lived to see; and brother Robert Rinehart of Victor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Donnabelle, sister Rachel Stoker, brother-in-law Raymond “Spud” Stoker, and sister-in-law Shirley Rinehart.
