Donald W. Reiling

Donald W. Reiling, age 88, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died on Wednesday, August 6, at Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Monday, August 11, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, August 10, 2025 from 5-7:00 p.m. with Prayer Vigil at 7:00 p.m. followed by Rosary, all at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in STORM LAKE. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Donald Reiling was born September 4, 1936, to Theodore and Anna Reiling. Don spent his childhood on the family farm west of Carroll, Iowa. He was baptized, confirmed and attended school at St. Francis Catholic Church in Maple River, Iowa. Don was attending a friend’s wedding when he met bridesmaid, Rose Marie Odendahl. They were married November 8, 1958, and were blessed with three daughters and a son: Cheryl, Julie, Paul and Diane. Don’s life was defined by hard work, volunteering and spending time with family and friends. Early in his working life, Don was a long-distance truck driver, mainly traveling to the west coast. With a second baby on the way, it was time for a change and Don began driving truck locally for Iowa Public Service in Carroll, eventually ending in a transfer to Storm Lake in November 1962. In 1974, Don left Iowa Public Service (now Mid-American) and began his own construction business, mainly erecting grain bins. By this time, Don and Rosie had also developed an interest in rental real estate. To add to their rental business, Don designed and built two duplexes and a triplex. He helped each of the kids with major home projects over the years. He also designed the home where he and Rosie lived for over 30 years, with many of his ideas sketched on the back of a napkin—a testament to his ingenuity and hands-on approach. A man of many talents, Don enjoyed woodworking, rebuilding bicycles, snowmobiling, especially with Paul, making yard decorations, playing cards, particularly with the kids and grandkids, and visiting the casino. He looked forward to Wednesday night poker club for many years. He loved camping, starting in 1974 when he and Rosie purchased their first of four motor homes. They spent many weekends at local campgrounds and took their older grandkids on vacations with them. Some of their trips with the grandkids included Wisconsin Dells, Branson, Iowa State Fair and Valleyfair. Don never lost his love of driving and was always ready to jump in the car, resulting in many spontaneous road trips. Don’s favorite holiday was the Fourth of July. He loved helping his grandchildren decorate wagons, trikes and bicycles for them to ride on in the parade. He also built a few larger floats (including a mini boat) for the parade, creating memories that his grandkids will cherish forever. He had quite a large collection of old bikes, thinking he needed to have a bike for all the grandkids at every age. He also loved his special red Schwinn bike and could often be seen pedaling around town and listening to his radio while riding it. Don generously gave his time to the community. A member of the Knights of Columbus for 51 years, Don served as treasurer for 15 years and was named Knight of the Month multiple times. He volunteered extensively for St. Mary’s School and Church, building props for school plays and helping with countless other projects. Don was deeply touched when he received the St. Mary Volunteer of the Year award. Alongside his dear friend Don Schmitt, the pair affectionately called “The Dons” were known for their dedication and creativity, whether it was for repairs or decorating for the Gala. He contributed extensively to the SOS store, building all the racks for the original store, repairing bicycles to be sold, hauling numerous things, volunteering many hours. Don and Rosie also delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. Don is survived by his wife Rose Marie, children Cheryl (Richard) Lange, Early, IA; Julie (Tab) Deal, Johnston, IA; Paul (Mary) Reiling, Eden Prairie, MN, and Diane (Jerome) Glaser, Prior Lake, MN; grandchildren Adam Lange, Patrick (Allison) Lange, Maggie (Jacob) Jeppeson, Matthew (Sarah) Lange, Jodi (Anthony) Calamito, Jason Deal, Brad (Summer) Reiling, Nicole Reiling, Maureen Reiling, Fr. Ryan Glaser, Abigail (Samson) Dollerschell, and Katelyn (Michael) Walerius; and great-grandchildren Nora and Crosby Lange, Emma, Isaac, Aubrey and Owen Jeppeson, Ava Lange, Juliet Calamito, Eden Dollerschell, and Clara Walerius. Don is also survived by in-laws Ray Pottebaum, Ray Huegerich, Mardy Snyder, Alice and Gerald Baumhover, Wayne Anderson, Mary and Ron Reineke, Norma and Dennis Schleisman, John and Diane Odendahl, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Don is preceded in death by granddaughter Emily Reiling, his parents Theodore and Anna Reiling; siblings and in-laws: brother Ray (Bernie) Reiling, sisters Darlene (Roy) Moore, Dorothy (Gene) Dales, Agnes Pottebaum and Rosemary Huegerich; in-laws Wayne Nepple, Betty Anderson and Dennis Snyder. Don’s legacy lives on in the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the countless ways he made the world a better place through his volunteering. He will be dearly missed but forever remembered.

Donald W. Reiling

September 4, 1936 - August 6, 2025