Donald Gene Rinnels

Donald Gene Rinnels, 80, Cedar Falls, died Monday, November 9, 2026 at his home.

Don was born February 19, 1946 in Chapin, Iowa to the late Ehme and Jenny (Eckhoff) Rinnels. Following high school in Mason City, he began working in property management. Don married the love of his life, Constance “Connie” Nutt on June 26, 1971. The couple welcomed two children Douglas and Angela to their family. Don worked in property management for 22 years, retiring in 2008 and also worked as a van driver for the Cedar Falls schools for 4 years.

Don was larger than life – loud, wild, hilarious, a shameless flirt and ultimate ball buster. He loved giving everyone a hard time, but underneath all that teasing was the biggest, softest heart. Don was the guy everyone called when something needed fixing, and there wasn’t much he couldn’t do. He might complain the whole time, but he’d always show up, get it done, and have everyone laughing along the way. He loved his family fiercely! He was one of a kind, truly iconic, and above all, a darn good man.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Connie; children, Angela (Keith Gaul) Rinnels and Douglas (Amy Rinnels) Rinnels; grandchildren, Mallory (Don) Fisher, Jacob (Brooke) Rinnels, Madison (Christian) Schaefer and Kane (Kaylen) Schaefer; great-grandchildren, Ryder Wenthold, Ervin Fisher and Valerie Wenthold; sister, Alice Springer; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by 13 brothers and sisters.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Don beginning at 3:00 PM on Friday, November 13 at AMVETS Post #49 (1934 Irving Street, Cedar Falls).

Memorials may be directed to his family.