Daryl Rechtenbach, 85, of Bridgewater

Celebration of Life Services: Will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Lamb Funeral Home in Fontanelle (formerly Fontanelle United Methodist Church) with burial in the Fontanelle Cemetery.  Full military graveside rites will be conducted by the Williamson American Legion Post No. 719 and V.F.W. Post No. 1797 in Creston.  Pastor Melinda Stonebraker will officiate the service.  The Lamb Funeral Home in Fontanelle is in charge of the professional arrangements.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.

Memorials:  To the Daryl Rechtenbach Memorial Fund to be established by the family at a later date.

Daryl LaVerne Rechtenbach passed away on September 18, 2023. He was born on January 29, 1938, in Fontanelle, Iowa, to the late Harold Wayne Rechtenbach and Iva Nancy Ruch.

Daryl had an infectious laugh and a good sense of humor. He took great pride in his life and service to his country. Daryl loved animals and enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting and fishing. He was a devoted family man and will be deeply missed by his loved ones.

Daryl is survived by his daughters, Lori (Bob) Ulfers and Pam Blevins (fiancé Andy Wiebe), his grandchildren Danielle Ulfers (fiancé Chad Lind), Jarret Ulfers, Wyatt Blevins, and Maddison Blevins, and his great-grandchildren Michael Lind, Jeremiah Lind, and Scarlett Lind. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law LaRell (Coleen) Wilkinson and many nieces and nephews.

Daryl was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Kay Rechtenbach, his son Leroy Rechtenbach, his parents, Harold Wayne Rechtenbach and Iva Nancy Ruch, his in-laws Orville and Pauline Wilkinson, and his sisters Mary (Max) Warnock, Shirley (Darwin) Wilkinson, and Phyllis (Joe) Gabriel.

Daryl attended Bridgewater High School, graduating in 1956. He furthered his education at Commercial Extension Omaha for Business School in 1956-1957.

Daryl proudly served in the U.S. Navy from March 1958 to March 1962. He underwent boot camp training in 1958 at the Naval Training Center in San Diego. He then attended Yeoman School at Treasure Island and Midway Island. Daryl served aboard the USS Ranger CVA61 in VA 94 in 1961 before being honorably discharged in March 1962. During his time in the Navy, Daryl traveled to various locations, including Hawaii, Japan (Yokosuka, Yokohama, Atsugi, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Iwakuni), Kobe, and Hong Kong. After his military service, Daryl continued his dedication to his fellow veterans as the Commander for American Legion 719 for nine years, from 2007 to 2016. He was also a member of VFW Post 1797 in Creston, Iowa

In his professional life, Daryl worked at Firestone from 1962 to 1970. He then became self-employed until his retirement in 2003.

May Daryl's memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.