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Michael Rinker Obituary
Michael F. "Mike" Rinker, 63, formerly of Mount Union, Franklin County, most recently of 312 Fairview Ave., Butler, died unexpectedly Sunday at his home. He had been in failing health.
Mr. Rinker was born Sept. 24, 1948, in Huntingdon, Huntingdon County, the son of Helen (Kurey) Rinker of Mount Union and the late Harry M. "Pooch" Rinker.
Along with his mother, he is survived by a sister, Debra A. Rinker of Enola, Cumberland County; and a number of nieces, nephews, uncles and aunts.
Mr. Rinker was employed by Mekis Contruction of Butler for 37Z\x years as a civil engineer.
He graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1966 at Mount Union High School and also graduated from Penn State University in 1970, where he was an Evan Pugh Scholar for 1969 and 1970 and earned the Sparks Medal for Outstanding Scholarship.
He was a member of the St. Catherine Catholic Church, Mount Union. Mr. Rinker also was a member of the Herman Roman Catholic Men's Club.
He enjoyed hunting, golf, fishing, reading and traveling, especially to Penn State football games. He also truly appreciated the friendships he had with his co-workers over the years. RINKER - A funeral Mass for Michael F. "Mike" Rinker, who died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the St. Catherine Roman Catholic Church, Mount Union, with Father George Koharchik officiating. Interment will be in the St. Catherine Catholic Cemetery, Shirleysburg, Huntingdon County. The family will receive friends at the Robert D. Heath Funeral Home, Mount Union, from 7 to 8 p.m. today.
There will be a vigil at 7:45 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the St. Catherine Church, 205 W. Market St., Mount Union, PA 17066 or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA., 22312.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Rinker
Fran Horton
October 6, 2011
I went to grade school with Mike at Kistler. I am sad to hear of his passing. God be with you.
Fran Horton
Jim Abrashoff
October 4, 2011
Very sorry to hear about Mike. You have my deepest sympathy. I graduated from high school with Mike. I remember his always smiling face and the games of pool we played at Andy DeSalvo's pool room. I went to Penn State on Mike's advice, and it was there that I met my future wife and where one of my three children graduated. Mike had a significant influence on my life. May God comfort you at this time.
October 2, 2011
I'm so sorry for your loss. I graduated with Mike and will always remember him warmly. He was always nice to me and he was a great classmate. Penny (Henry) Homolash
George Fleming
October 1, 2011
my deepest sympathy to the family.........mike was my neighbor and good friend and I will miss him alot
Georgianna Cole (Gerholt)
September 30, 2011
My sincere sympathy thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of your loss. I am of the class of 66 and have many fond memories of our school years. May God comfort you family and friends.
September 30, 2011
So sad to hear Mike passed away. My sympathy and prayers to your family. I just saw his obituary on Face Book. He will always be a fond part of my childhood and high school years. God help to ease your pain................sadly missed but God has gained a true angel.
Kathy Cramer Kyle Weir
Fran & Joan Steighner
September 30, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this time.
Mark Simpson
September 29, 2011
Our deepest sympathies go to Mike's family. I will always remember him as a young MUAHS 1966 classmate.
Mike & I created a dirty jokes booklet while in Jr High. Mr. Buckley confiscated it & shared it with the other teachers so we never did get in any trouble over it. I remember knocking Mike out briefly in a touch football game in Kistler. He survived being mauled by a Grizzly bear while in Yellowstone Park. The bear cracked Mike's skull and bit him in the stomach but "tough" Mike survived.
September 28, 2011
Mike and I were friends for many years. I live in Rochester, NY so we did not see each other often, but when we did we had a good time together. My wife, Helen, and I always stayed at his home on our visits, had many meals together, and he and I played golf at least once during our visits. Mike was a guest at my 50th Wedding Anniversary in June 1998. My last visit was on August 19, 2011.
Mike, I will miss you and thank you for these many years of friendship.
Love, Roy Lomicka
Tom & Jennie Robertson
September 28, 2011
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
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