Daryl Alvin Rhyner

October 27,1932 - January 6th, 2025

Daryl Rhyner, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and proud veteran, passed away from heart failure on January 6th 2025, at the age of 92. Born during the Great Depression in Monroe, Wisconsin- the "Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA"- Daryl was the eldest child of Wilbert R. Rhyner and Mildred Reasa Rhyner. He grew up on a dairy farm, where he developed a strong work ethic tending to cows, hogs, chickens, and horses alongside his brother Kenneth and sister Judith. Daryl fondly recalled attending three different one-room schoolhouses during his early years, where one teacher taught all eight grades to a small group of students.

After graduating from Albany High School in 1949, where he excelled in sports, academics, and kindled a lifelong passion for reading, Daryl attended Whitewater State College. Daryl worked a night time job at a bowling alley (setting pins) and a lighting factory to pay his way through school. His life took a defining turn when he received his draft notice during the Korean War, leading him to enlist in the United States Air Force in 1952. He earned his Navigator Aviator wings in July 1954 and began a distinguished 25-year military career as a navigator, instructor, and base comptroller.

It was in a bowling alley in Waco, Texas, where Daryl met the love of his life, Ruby Lee Krueger. After a six-month courtship, they married in November 1956 and began a life together that spanned nearly seven decades. A year later, their daughter Pamela was born. In 1960, they arrived at Alconbury Air Force Base in England. Son Daryl Rhyner, Jr was born in 1963 before they headed back stateside. Daryl setup navigator training for RF-4 Phantom aircraft while at Tactical Air Command at Langley AFB in Hampton, Virginia and attended Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama.

Daryl's military career took him across the world, including pivotal service during the Vietnam War, where he completed 120 combat missions as an RF-4C reconnaissance navigator. He was extremely proud of his photogenic reconnaissance of the growing conflict in Vietnam and flew missions over North Vietnam, both night and day. He was awarded numerous honors for his bravery and service; including two distinguished Flying Crosses, 11 Air Medals, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. Daryl's military career culminated in his role as Base Comptroller, serving as the primary financial and fiscal advisor for military installations. He often reflected on his time in the Air Force with pride, cherishing memories of his fellow service members and honoring those who did not return.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1977, Daryl moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where He worked as a tax auditor for the Texas Workforce Commission until his retirement in 1996. He and Lee eventually settled in Sun City, Georgetown, where Daryl embraced his retirement years surrounded by family and friends. They both enjoyed playing bridge & Daryl enjoyed golfing with his golf buddies and making new friends. Daryl also delighted in creating elaborately wrapped Christmas gifts, challenging his grandchildren to outsmart his inventive designs- a tradition that brought joy and laughter to the whole family. In January 2020, Daryl & Lee relocated to Ledgestone, a senior living community in Southwest Austin to be closer to their daughter. Daryl could be found either playing pool, working on crossword puzzles, or making new friends in the dining room.

Daryl will be remembered for his sharp memory, quick wit, and unwavering devotion to his family. He was a cherished "Grandpa" and "Big Papa" who treasured his roles as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Daryl is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ruby Lee Rhyner; his daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Gary Massman; his son and daughter-in law, Daryl Jr. and Debbie Rhyner; his grandchildren, Jeff Massman (Jennifer), David Massman, and Tamara Massman; and his five beloved great-grandchildren, Shepherd, Ruth, Caleb, Asher, and Eva. He is also survived by his sister, Judith Rhyner Hirsch (Peter). Daryl was preceded in death by his parents and brother Kenneth, whose memories he carried fondly throughout his life.

A celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, February 1st from 2PM-5PM at Ledgestone Senior Living at 13152 Four Star Blvd Austin,TX 78737. In Lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the American Heart Association in honor of Daryl's legacy of service, dedication, and love.