Robert Dale Rhinehart

Robert Dale Rhinehart, age 85, went to his box seats up above just before the kickoff of the Hawkeye game on Saturday, September 16, 2023. A graveside service will be held at Resthaven Cemetery on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at 11:00 AM.

Robert (Bob) was born on March 30, 1938, to Blanche (Creglow) Rhinehart and Clarence Rhinehart near Houstonia, Missouri. Bob grew up on the family farm until the passing of his father at the age of five. The family then moved to Dallas Center, Iowa. Bob graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1956. His studies were focused on Interior Decorating (hanging around teenage girls more than likely). After High School Bob joined the Air Force where he received an honorable discharge.

Bob spent many years in the auto towing, auto body, and auto salvage businesses. In his second career, he operated Rhinehart Painting doing residential house painting for 20+ years around Dallas County. In retirement, Bob enjoyed attending grandkid's events, tending to his yard, feeding birds and squirrels, helping his friends and neighbors at the Midwest Country Estates mobile home park in Waukee, buying old meat at Fareway, and participating in his favorite hobby, walking. He would put in over 20,000 steps a day at the height of his walking career. He continued with his daily walking up until his final days. Bob enjoyed picking artifacts up off the roads. The automobile tires of Waukee should have thanked him for the number of flats he saved them from.

Bob was known by many names over the years, Robert, Bob, Bobby Dale, Hawkeye Bob, and Walking Bob; but most of all he enjoyed Husband, Dad, and Grandpa the most.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Widlund Rhinehart; his parents; sister, Lee (Charles "Bud") Walrod, and their son Chuck. He is survived by his children, Kim (fiancé Doug Steele) Helland, Rob Rhinehart, Paula Baumeister, Tony (Amanda) Rhinehart, and Jessica Hensley; grandchildren, Matt, Dillon, Jimmy, Paige, Katelynn, Jax, and Jantz; great-grandchildren, Will, Izzy, Harlow, Nellie, Eastyn, and Ellie. Bob is also survived by his niece, Leann Walrod and nephew, Mike “Wombat” Walrod.

The family would like to thank the staff of Ramsey Village, where Bob enjoyed walking the halls and harassing the staff the last couple of years, and the staff of Suncrest Hospice, who made his last days peaceful.