GARNER — Gregory Paul Rayhons, 65, of Garner, a devoted husband, father and grandfather whose faith and love of farming guided his life, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026, surrounded by his family.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 14, 2026, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 660 Bush Avenue in Garner.
Burial will follow at St. Boniface Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, August 13, at the church. A family-led rosary will begin at 3:15 p.m., followed by a Scriptural wake service and an opportunity to share memories.
Greg was born July 9, 1961, in Forest City to Francis and Lois Helps Rayhons. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan.
After graduating from Garner-Hayfield High School in 1979, Greg attended Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg and earned an associate degree in farm management.
Greg married Sandra “Sandy” Schmidt on August 9, 1986, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner. Their enduring partnership remained central to the life they shared during nearly 40 years of marriage.
The couple initially lived in Garner, where Greg worked at Iowa Mold Tooling for 10 years. In 1993, they established their home on an acreage northwest of Garner.
There, Greg pursued his passion for agriculture by farming and raising livestock alongside his father. He took great pride in caring for the land and regarded farming as far more than an occupation—it was an essential part of his identity.
Family remained Greg’s greatest priority. He treasured time with Sandy, their children and especially his grandchildren, whose presence brought him tremendous happiness.
Greg enjoyed completing puzzles, watching movies, painting barn quilts and listening to country music. He particularly looked forward to the Winstock Country Music Festival and other concerts.
His Catholic faith shaped the way he lived and treated others. Greg was an active member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, serving as a lector, usher and Faith Formation teacher.
He also belonged to the Knights of Columbus and was deeply involved with Catholic HEART Workcamp. Through that ministry, Greg encouraged and mentored young people while helping them feel valued and welcome.
For 20 years, Greg lived with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare form of cancer. His faith and Sandy’s steadfast support provided strength throughout that long journey.
Greg is survived by his wife, Sandy of Garner; children Alesha and Terrell Lentz of Forest City, Brianna and Ben Marso of St. Joseph, Iowa, and Trevor Rayhons and Brian Englar of Chicago; and grandchildren Faith, Addison, Oliver, Eli, Gloria and Reuben.
He is also survived by his mother, Lois Rayhons of Garner; siblings Julie and Todd Baker of Algona, Susan and Tim Speers of Storm Lake, Jerome and Tracey Rayhons of Altoona, Lisa Rayhons of Indianapolis, and Laurie Merryman of Maxwell; father-in-law George Schmidt of Garner; Sandy’s brothers and sisters; and many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.
Greg was preceded in death by his father, Francis; infant sister Katherine; brothers Steven and David Rayhons; nephew Clinton Rayhons; mother-in-law Arlene Schmidt; and sister-in-law Diane Schmidt.
In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Greg’s family.
Cataldo Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
If you would like an obituary, remembrance or tribute story published in NIT, please email the details to NORTHIOWATODAY@GMAIL.COM. This is a free service.