Donald Vernon Reckler

Donald Vernon Reckler, age 88, of Ames, died peacefully November 21, 2025, at Eastern Star and Masonic Home in Boone. A memorial service will be held in the spring. The Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton.

Don was born May 23, 1937, in Newton, the son of Wesley and Maurine (French) Reckler. He was baptized on May 11, 1952, at the First United Methodist Church in Newton. Don went to country school through 8^th grade at Palo Alto #2 and graduated from Newton High School in 1955. He then went to Iowa State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in forestry on February 27, 1960. Don worked several places, including Bookie Pack in Des Moines, Wright Tree Service. He also worked for the National Forest Service in Oregon for several years, drove truck cross-country, and worked for several years at Ken’s Appliance in Ames. Don enjoyed photography and taking photos of events, nature, and flowers. Don also enjoyed watching football and basketball.

Don’s memory will be honored by his sisters: Doris Jean (Chuck) Cabalka of Newton and her children, Dwight (Andy) and Karen (Jim) Baer, both of Colorado; and Roberta Wiegmann of Allison, and her children Gail Wiegmann of West Des Moines and Wendy Wiegmann of Minneapolis; special college friends Ken Howe of Ames and James Stayner of Ankeny; as well as many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.