Lee M Rinderer

Lee M. Rinderer, 61, of Highland, IL, passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at his home surrounded by many loved ones.

He was born January 13, 1964, in Highland, IL, to Henry and Norma (nee Schoeck) Rinderer. On June 17, 1989, he married Angie Friedel at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto, IL.

Lee was an active member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL, Highland Moose Lodge, Highland Optimist Club, Knights of Columbus Council 1580, Highland Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Police and Fire Commission. He previously served as a board member of Highland Area Community Foundation and Mater Dei Catholic High School Foundation Board.

In 1989 Lee started LMR Deliveries, a jewelry delivery business which he operated for 13 years. In July 2002 he opened his own store, Lee’s Loans Jewelry and More on the Highland IL Square which later evolved into Lee’s Fine Jewelry. Lee’s Jewelry store remains open today in the same building that once housed his parents clothing business in the 70’s & 80’s – Hug’s Men and Boys Wear. Retail truly ran in his blood. He was a proud member of the Independent Jewelers Organization, attending many jewelry shows over the years. Lee took great pride in his jewelry business and the many many customers and business associates who soon became his friends. Over the years, Lee developed relationships that will be long remembered by so very many.

Besides his courageous fight against a horrible disease (pancreatic cancer), Lee will be best remembered for his big heart & generosity, the way he always took the underdogs under his wing, his love for his hometown of Highland, IL, which he proudly professed to be “the greatest place in the whole world to live” and of course, his love for his family

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Rinderer in 1986.

Lee is survived by his wife Angie Rinderer, Highland, IL; children, Adam Rinderer, Highland, IL, Lexi Rinderer, Highland, IL; mother, Norma Rinderer, Highland, IL; brother, Boyd (Amy) Rinderer, Highland, IL; in-laws, Rene (Bob) Fite, Sue (Steve) Vogel, Joe (Trish) Friedel, Nick (Jess) Friedel; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul Catholic School in Highland, IL, or to Highland Area Community Foundation.

Visitation: Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL, and Monday, October 27, 2025, from 8:00 am to 10:30 am, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, October 27, 2025, 10:30 am, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL

Clergy: Father Michael Friedel; concelebrating, Father Pat Jakel and Father Chuck Edwards

Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery, Highland, IL

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL