Robert Eugene Rhein

Robert E. Rhein, age 86, of Jefferson City, TN and formerly of Michigan passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at his home following a brief illness. Born at home during the final game of the 1938 World Series, his mother knew the time of his birth based on the church bells ringing nearby. Robert Rhein was born to Helen (Fields) and Leroy Rhein. He grew up on the family farm in Wisconsin with the four older brothers; the late William (late Betty Lou), Leroy (Carolyn Norris), the late Ray (late Julie), and Paul (Judy). All five Rhein boys proudly served their country. Bob is the beloved husband of Susan (Watson). They enjoyed 28 years together. Bob made sure his kids knew how to dig for worms, catch and clean their own fish, and make snowflakes out of sliced deli meats. He was the champion of dad jokes, and he also was the first to laugh at his own jokes. Missing him always are Robin (Walter) Hurwitz, Wendy, Bob (Ginny Staples) and Doug. His grandchildren, Elyssa and Kelsey Hurwitz (fiancé Aiden Russo) and Nathaniel and Samuel Rhein, will miss his pancakes and silly jokes. He was the 1962 Regimental Commander at King’s Point Merchant Marine Academy, and served in the Army and Navy. He tested high altitude parachutes in the Army Rangers. Bob was invited to try out for the Milwaukee Brewers. Some other guy named Hank Aaron tried out with Bob, and the Brewers went with that other guy. If things were different, he would have liked to have been a meteorologist. The man did love his cloud formations. Bob was a loyal fan of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers. He was an avid reader, especially of the Bible. He attended Ward Presbyterian Church in Michigan and Faith Baptist Church in Tennessee. His business career included twenty-six years at Sears, Petco, Coffee Beanery, and sixteen years in Oakland County, Michigan, government. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Samaritan's Purse (samaritanpurse.org), the Faith Baptist Mission Fund (faithbaptist.net), or Smoky Mountain Hospice (http://smokyhhc.org). He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. The family will receive friends on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Faith Baptist Church from 4:00-6:00pm. A funeral service will follow at 6:00pm with Pastor Mark Campbell officiating. A graveside service will be held at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 10:00am.