A Funeral Service for Darrel Lee Rihanek, age 78, of Monowi, Nebraska will be 10:30 am Monday, June 22, 2026 at Christ Lutheran Church in Lynch.  Visitation will be on Monday from 9:00 am until time of the service.  Burial will follow at the Alford Cemetery in Monowi with Military Honors by the Lynch American Legion Post #228.   Darrel passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at Niobrara Valley Hospital in Lynch.  Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation.  Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in Spencer.

Darrel Lee Rihanek was born on October 20, 1947 in Lynch, Nebraska, to Glen and Velma Rihanek.  He grew up on the family farm near Monowi, Nebraska, where he learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and devotion to family that would guide him throughout his life.  Darrel attended school in Lynch and graduated from Lynch High School in 1965.

Shortly after graduation, Darrel enlisted in the United States Army National Guard and served for five years.  He married the love of his life, Cheryl Sinclair, on May 17, 1967, and together began building their life on the family farm near Monowi, where they raised their five children, Darin, Greg, Julie, Matthew, and Derek.

Farming was at the heart of Darrel's life.  He farmed alongside his father, Glen, until his retirement and later continued the Rihanek family farming operation with his sons, Darin and Greg.  Farming wasn't just what Darrel did, it was who he was.  He remained actively involved on the farm until his final days, always checking fields, fixing equipment, and lending a hand wherever he was needed.  He was an exceptional farm mechanic who could fix just about anything and a talented woodworker who once built an entire stagecoach.  He also had a knack for dreaming up projects that kept life interesting—like the homemade go-cart, complete with a bungee strap seatbelt.  Looking back, it may not have been the safest idea, but it was undeniably Darrel: resourceful and adventurous.

Darrel lived life with enthusiasm and a spirit of adventure.  In his younger years, he enjoyed riding motorcycles with friends and was one of the founders of Monowi's Night Owl Motorcycle Club. The story goes that Cheryl would tease the group for staying out riding until the early hours of the morning, calling them "Night Owls," and the name stuck.

His love for horses ran deep and remained with him throughout his life.  From his first horse, Champ, to favorites like Fury, Nugget, Red, and Buck, horses were more than animals to Darrel—they were companions and part of his story.  He had a natural gift for training horses and took great pride in working with them.  In their younger years, Darrel and Cheryl spent countless hours riding on trails with friends.  Later, he shared his love of horses with his grandchildren.

Darrel was an avid hunter.  Deer season became one of the family's most treasured traditions, bringing together children, grandchildren, spouses, and close friends year after year.  The stories shared and memories made during those weekends will continue to be told for generations.

Music was one of Darrel's greatest joys.  He started playing guitar and singing at a young age and continued for more than 45 years.  As a member of the Ponca Valley Ramblers and Whiskey Creek, he entertained crowds at dances, celebrations, and community events throughout the area. Even when he wasn't performing, Darrel could be found at home with a guitar in his hands, singing old favorites and picking away for hours.

He also had a sweet tooth that was legendary among his family.  Everyone knew dad/grandpa had candy stashed somewhere, you just had to know where to look.  It might be tucked away in his glove compartment, hidden in a coat pocket, or most famously, inside an unlabeled coffee can on his workbench.  Finding one of his candy stashes became a running joke in our family, and one of the many little things that made him so memorable.

The coffee pot was often on at the Rihanek home and he enjoyed his morning coffee with Cheryl, Darin, and Greg, talking about the farm and what the day might bring.  Family and friends knew they were always welcome to stop by for a visit.  Teddy and Carson were frequent visitors, sharing coffee, stories, and laughter.

But perhaps what people will remember most about Darrel was the way he made them feel.  He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He had a gift for teaching— To those who knew him best, Darrel was a trusted source of wisdom, practical advice, and know-how.

He was proud of his service to his country, proud of his children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren, and proud to carry on the Rihanek family's four-generation farming legacy.  He had been a member of Christ Lutheran Church for over 40+ years.  He passed away on June 14,2026, at the age of 78, leaving his earthly home and entered eternity with his savior.

Darrel is survived by his wife of 59 years, Cheryl Rihanek of Monowi, NE; his children, Darin (Tracy) Rihanek of Lynch, NE, Greg Rihanek of Monowi, NE, Julie (Ryan) Mann of Omaha, NE, and Derek (Nicole) Rihanek of Bradenton, FL; 12 grandchildren, Devin (Gina) Rihanek, Dane (Tay) Rihanek, Dacey Rihanek (Levi), Dylan Rihanek, Natalie Rihanek (Gavin), Caleb Rihanek (Bailey), Zac Rihanek, Jase Rihanek, Katelyn (David) Holmberg, Kapri (Ben) Watson, Keaton Mann, and Steel Rihanek; six great grandchildren; sisters, Sandra Peed of Page, NE, and Carla Wilson of Monowi, NE; aunt, Donna Corey; brothers-in-law, Jack (Dianne) Sinclair of Tyndall, SD, Jerry Fernau of Lincoln, NE, and Al Brady of Elkhorn, NE; special family friend, Carson Hrbek of Norfolk, NE; along with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Velma Rihanek; his son, Matthew Rihanek; his sister, Pamela Rihanek; three brothers-in-law; and three sisters-in-law.

Though Darrel will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught, the stories he shared, and the love he gave will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.