Fred Dennis Rehmke of Copper Canyon, Texas passed away at his home on March 10, 2026.

Fred was born July 19, 1948 in Anamosa, Iowa, the son of Robert and Elaine Rehmke of West Liberty. He grew up on his family’s farms and graduated from Elkader High School in Elkader, Iowa. During his youth, Fred enjoyed family fishing trips, 4-H activities at the county and state fairs, trail rides, and participating in community theater productions.

Fred attended the University of Iowa, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. While there, he was a proud member of the Hawkeye Marching Band and the University of Iowa ROTC program.

Following graduation, Fred attended pilot training at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, beginning his career in the United States Air Force. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam, flying C-123s and B-52s in the Strategic Air Command. While in pilot school, Fred met Diane Butschek, and they were united in marriage in 1972. They recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.

After his military service, Fred continued his aviation career as a corporate pilot for Fleming Foods, flying a Falcon 50. He later became a commercial pilot for American Airlines, where he enjoyed a 20-year career before retiring.

In retirement, Fred pursued his love of the outdoors through hunting and fishing, cowboy history reenactments with competitive marksmanship, and extensive travel. He deeply appreciated the scenic beauty and history of the country through these experiences. Above all, Fred treasured being a true son of Iowa, where family, friends, and community were the foundation and purpose of his life.

Fred is survived by his wife, Diane; two daughters, Kimra (Kaleb Hamilton) of Kalispell, Montana, and Rebecca (Steve Nusinow) of Austin, Texas; three grandchildren, Weston, Quin, and Ben; his sister, Linda Nielsen of Kansas City, Missouri; and nieces Alicia Ringdon, Adrian Larson, and Abby Johnson.

Funeral services will be held 10 A.M. Thursday, April 9, 2026 at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty. Burial with military honors will be in the Stanwood Cemetery, Stanwood, Iowa.