Marlin Rinkel
Marlin George Henry Rinkel, 85, departed to meet his Savior, Jesus, and join his
beloved wife, Louise, on Monday, February 8, at 7:48 pm at Anderson Hospital, with
loved ones near. He was born on March 2, 1935 in the family farmhouse in
Edwardsville, IL, the son of George August Rinkel and Edna Dorothea (nee Poos).
Marlin married his high school sweetheart, Louise A. Flath on June 26, 1955 at Eden
United Church of Christ in Edwardsville, IL. They lived-in short-term residencies within
35 different western states as an independent contracted telephone switch office
technician. He later formed his own company, Rinkel Electric, Inc. and later continued in
the communications services industry until retiring at age 65.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother, George Allen Rinkel, brotherin-law Henry L. Noeltner, niece Norma Jean (Matthew) Chlibec, sister Elaine and brother-in-law (Howard) Knecht, and his wife Louise.
Marlin was a loving husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather, and great grandpa.
Surviving are two children, Mark C. Rinkel (of Daytona Beach, FL) and Linda K. (Larry)
Gieselman of St. Jacob, IL., four grandchildren, Katie L. (Ben) Kist of Perryville, MO.,
Melissa A. (Matt) Bryant of Bangor, ME., Michael J. Gieselman of St. Jacob, IL, Erin L.
(James) Barron of Columbus, OH, and two great grandchildren, Mira D. Bryant (3 yrs.
old) and Jacob W. Kist (11 mos.). Also surviving are sister Lynette J. Noeltner, brothers
Paul C. (Vickie) Rinkel of Maryville, IL., and Richard L. (Judy) Rinkel of Madison, AL.
and many nieces, nephews, relatives. and friends.
Marlin enjoyed tinkering with miscellaneous projects indoors as well as spending time
outdoors doing yardwork and watching birds and wildlife outside in his back yard. He
was highly active with his family, friends and of course the grandkids and great
grandchildren. Over the years he was involved with the Troy Lion’s Club, Friedens
United Church of Christ, and later Troy United Methodist Church. He performed
maintenance/electrical work when needed and was active with the UMC TUMs group,
Bocce Ball Team and attended two of the Men’s Ministry groups (the Saturday morning
and Tuesday breakfast groups).
Due to COVID-19, there will be a private funeral burial for immediate family on
Saturday, February 13 with a Celebration of Life planned for a later date. Richeson
Funeral Home is handling the arrangements with UMC Care Pastor, Rev. Dan Perry,
officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Troy United Methodist Church and
the American Heart Association.
RICHESON FUNERAL HOME, Troy, IL
