Obituary

Robert L. Rehling, 75, of Eldon, Iowa and formerly of Grinnell, Iowa, died on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Ottumwa Regional Health Center in Ottumwa, Iowa.

A private family graveside service will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025 at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell. A memorial gathering (visitation) will be held at the Elks Lodge in Grinnell from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm on Friday, April 11, 2025.
Memorial checks may be made payable to his daughter, Stacy Dickerson, to assist with his grandchildren's education expenses and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family online at www.smithfh.com.

Robert Lee Rehling was born April 9, 1949 in Sioux City, Iowa to Robert G. and Eva M. (Girard) Rehling. He was raised in Elk Point, South Dakota and graduated from Elk Point High School in 1967. He honorably served in the United States Navy from 1967 until 1971.

Robert was united in marriage to Sylvia Strand Rehling in 1970. They were blessed with two children, Stacy and Matthew. They were later divorced.

Following his military service, Robert returned to Elk Point and was employed at Tractor Supply in Sioux City. In 1979, he moved with his family to Grinnell, where he was a self-employed carpenter. He then worked as a custodian at Grinnell College until his retirement. He was engaged to Ruth Graff until her passing in 2007. On January 12, 2009, he married Sheila Kay Miller in Ottumwa, and the couple made their home in Eldon.

An outdoorsman at heart, Robert loved fishing, birdwatching, and gardening. He could often be found sitting outside in his sombrero, enjoying nature. A passionate sports fan, he cheered for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Chicago Cubs and enjoyed collecting baseball cards.

Robert is survived by his mother, Eva Rehling of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; his wife, Sheila Rehling of Eldon; his daughter, Stacy (Eric) Dickerson of Winfield, Iowa; his son, Matthew (Lindsay) Rehling of Godfrey, Illinois; his grandchildren, Dustin Dickerson, Aliyah Rehling, Hannah Rehling, and Aaron Sutton; his great-grandchildren, Kenzie and Dustin Dickerson, Jr.; his siblings, Karen (Julian) Moszkowicz of Houston, Texas, Michael (Marilyn) Rehling of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Patti (Peter) Guillaume of Mishawaka, Indiana, Randy Rehling of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Margaret Deeds of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; several nieces and nephews; and his best friend, Ron Garman. He is preceded in death by his father; his sister-in-law, Karen Rehling; his brother-in-law, Donald Deeds; and his niece, Ann Marie Moszkowicz.
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