Milt Reckling

Milton H. Reckling, age 85, died on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at the Solon Care Center, Solon, Iowa, due to natural causes and complications related to Alzheimer's. Milton Reckling was born May 31, 1927 in Hickman, Nebraska, son of Herman and Martha Reckling. He grew up on a farm until he joined the Army in 1946 and was sent to the Philippines after World War II was over. He returned to the farm at Crete, Nebraska and married his sweetheart Ruth James. They later moved to Iowa where he was employed at LeFebure Corporation in Cedar Rapids from which he retired in 1989. After retirement he enjoyed restoring Ford Model A's of which he was a founding member of the Hawk A Model A Ford Club of Cedar Rapids. He spent countless hours making wooden toys and furniture for his family members. His prized possession was a train model that he made of wood. He is survived by his wife Ruth who he was married 65 years to, his five children: Max and his wife Dianne of Des Moines, Iowa; Cinda and her husband Mike Montgomery of Louisiana; Bruce and his wife Denise of Mt Vernon, Iowa; Chad and his wife Theresa of West Burlington, Iowa and Ty of the Philippines. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Mark (Jennifer) Montgomery, Jason (Bonnie) Montgomery, Sherry (Rob) Worthington, Jodie (Seth) Shannon, Erica (Dan) Albright, Lindsay, Serina, Stephen, Sarah, Samuel; all Reckling and Zachary Hite; 14 great grandchildren, his brother Donald and wife Elaine; two sister in laws, Edna Reckling and Ruby Zabel and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Reckling and brother-in-law Merlin Zabel Milt was a member of the Mt Vernon United Methodist Church, the American Legion Post #480 of Mt Vernon, Iowa, and a member of the Hawk A Model A Club of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Milt was a friendly, outgoing person who loved to dance, play cards, spend time with his family and was a great father. Milt has donated his body to The Deeded Body Program at the University Of Iowa Department Of Anatomy for research and training purposes. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, at the Mount Vernon United Methodist Church where the family will greet friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time. Military honors will follow the service with a lunch to follow in the church. All are invited to attend. Casual dress is encouraged, please, as Milt would like this. The family respectfully requests that no flowers be given or sent and instead memorials be sent c/o Ruth Reckling, 726 4th Avenue N., Mount Vernon, IA 52314. The family plans to contribute to the Mt Vernon United Methodist Church, Southeast Linn Community Center (driver fund), Boy Scout Troop #480 of Mt Vernon, Iowa and Alzheimer's Association East Central Iowa Chapter. Ruth and her family would like to thank the staff at the Solon Care and Rehabilitation Center for all the care and comfort they gave Milt. On-line condolences: www.morganfuneralchoices.com