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 p.m. at Anderson Hospital, with loved ones near.
He was born on March 2, 1935 in the family farmhouse in Edwardsville, 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. They lived-in short-term residencies within 35 different states as an independent contracted telephone switch office technician. He later formed his own company, Rinkel Electric, Inc. and later continued in the communication 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, nephew James H. Knetch, sister Elaine M. and brother-in-law Howard Knecht, and most recently 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, Florida and Linda K. (Larry) Gieselman of St. Jacob, four grandchildren, Katie L. (Ben) Kist of Perryville, Missouri, Melissa A. (Matt) Bryant of Bangor, Maine, Michael J. Gieselman of St. Jacob, Erin L. (James) Barron of Columbus, Ohio, and two great grandchildren, Mira D. Bryant and Jacob W. Kist. Also surviving are sister Lynette J. Noeltner of Waterloo, brothers Paul C. (Vickie) Rinkel of Maryville, and Richard L. (Judy) Rinkel of Madison, Alabama and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Marlin enjoyed tinkering with miscellaneous projects indoors as well as spending time outdoors doing yard work and watching birds and wildlife outside in his back yard. He was highly active with his family, friends and of course the grand kids 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.