LeRoy Fredrick Rinehart

LeRoy Fredrick Rinehart, 83, of Newton died on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at his home. A private family interment will be held at Newton Union Cemetery. The family will greet friends with a meal from 3-6 p.m., Thursday, May 8, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorials in LeRoy’s name (checks made payable to Shirley Rinehart) may be left at the funeral home.

LeRoy, the son of James and Marjorie (Hegwood) Rinehart, was born on June 22, 1941, in Columbia, Iowa. At the age of 2, he moved with his family to Newton. LeRoy attended Newton Schools graduating in 1959. On June 25, 1959, LeRoy entered the U.S. Marines serving his country during the Vietnam Era until his discharge in 1965. During his time in the military, he received the following honors: Rifle Sharp Shooter, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. LeRoy then returned to Newton and was united in marriage with Shirley Hardenbrook on June 11, 1966, in Colfax. LeRoy worked for the Maytag Company doing truck maintenance for over 34 years. He spent the next 25 years as a bus driver and driver instructor for the Newton Community School District. LeRoy was a member of the American Legion Post 111, Legion Riders, and the Izaak Walton League.

LeRoy had many hobbies and interests including riding his motorcycle, going to Tuesday and Friday breakfast with “the guys”, watching Westerns, and going to the races in Knoxville and at the Iowa Speedway. LeRoy had a love for roller skating that began at a young age when he helped his dad build the Newton skating rink. He was also an avid Newton Cardinal fan; many weeks for he and Shirley revolved around what team was playing on what night and how they were going to make it to everything to cheer on their beloved Cardinals. LeRoy never knew a stranger and would greet each and every person with a hello and a smile. In recognition of his contributions to the Newton schools and community he was honored as both the Grand Marshall of the Newton Homecoming Parade and the Newton 4th of July parade.

LeRoy’s greatest joy was his family and he is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shirley Rinehart of Newton; children, JoEllen (Mark) Linn of Newton and Aaron (Alicia) Rinehart of Newton; his granddaughters, Haley Rinehart of Altoona and Madison Rinehart of Newton; siblings, LaVonne Herndon of Osceola and Lynn (Nancy) Rinehart of Newton; his nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and his grand and great-grand, “fur critters.” He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles (Sheryl) Rinehart, nephew, Troy Herndon; and several other uncles, aunts, and cousins.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice, especially Amber and Melissa, for their wonderful care.