GARNER — A Northern Iowa man whose life was shaped by hard work, Catholic faith, family gatherings, trucking, motorcycles and racing has passed away.
David Leroy Rayhons, known as “Dave,” 66, of Garner, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City, surrounded by family.
Rayhons was born on March 15, 1960, in Forest City to Francis and Lois Rayhons. He graduated from Garner-Hayfield High School in 1978 and went on to build a varied working life across North Iowa and beyond.
His career included work with Eenhuis Construction in Klemme, Harvestore Silo in Humboldt, the Hancock County Co-op Oil tire service department in Garner and time helping his uncle, Lawrence Rayhons, on a farm in Lennox, Iowa. He later worked as a truck driver for several companies across northern Iowa and southern Minnesota before retiring.
Away from work, Rayhons enjoyed Bob Seger’s music, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, NASCAR and local dirt track racing. He was also a lifetime member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.
Family remained central in Rayhons’ life, and he was known for making time for family events and gatherings.
He is survived by his mother, Lois of Garner; siblings Julie Baker of Algona, Susan Speers of Storm Lake, Gregory Rayhons of Garner, Jerome Rayhons of Altoona, Lisa Rayhons of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Laurie Merryman of Maxwell; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his father, Francis; brother, Steven Rayhons; infant sister, Katherine Rayhons; and nephew, Clinton John Rayhons.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Rev. Fr. Paulraj Sellam officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, with a rosary at 4:15 p.m., followed by a Scriptural wake service.
Memorials may be directed to the Garner Volunteer Ambulance Service.
Cataldo Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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