Howard Rinker

RINKER, Howard Galesburg Mr. Rinker passed away early Saturday morning, December 30, 2006 at his home with his family by his side. A lifelong resident of the Kalamazoo area, he was born February 22, 1924 at his family home in Kalamazoo, one of five children to Elmer and Myrtle Tabor Rinker. Howard was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving during World War II. For 30 years, he was employed by Orin B. Hayes Inc. as a nationwide famous automobile painter for their Collision Center. Surviving are four children, Bruce Ellen Rinker of Portage, Victoria Rinker of Galesburg, Scott Anita Rinker of Galesburg, and Stacy Wayne Rodgers of Portage; nine grandchildren, Brandy Mike Chemelewski, Jacob Rinker, Aaron Rinker, Alexander Rinker, Kallie Buchino, Kirk Rinker, Ashley Bowen, Jessica Bowen and Megan Miles; six great-grandchildren; extended family, Mike and Charlene Nielson and Gayle Smith-Rinker; and his beloved dog, Minnie. Preceding him in death are his parents; one sister, Lavonne McCormick; three brothers, LeRoy, Elmer, and Wayne Rinker; and former wife, Josephine Counterman-Rinker Fride. Funeral services for Mr. Rinker will be at 1:00 PM on Wednesday at Kalamazoo Covenant Church, 5708 E. Main Street, with Rev. John Kepler officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday from 5-8 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Kalamazoo Covenant Church.