Obituaries

Charles F. Rinker, 88, was called home to the Kingdom of Heaven on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at the Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio where he had resided for the last year. He will be missed terribly by all who knew and loved him.

Charlie was born on July 11, 1936, during a heat wave that brought all-time record high temperatures to the region. He liked to share the story that his father, George, ran out to purchase a fan so that his mother, Amelia (Brossia), would be more comfortable during the birth at their family home. Those who knew Charlie were very aware that he was a gifted storyteller with a keen memory for facts and had a story to share about every person he met on his life journey. He also had a nickname for everyone.

Charlie grew up on the family farm in what is now Rossford, and was a loyal and dedicated son, helping his parents with every aspect of farm work. Milking cows, planting and tending crops, and harvesting produce for sale at the Toledo Farmer’s Market, and to the many local residents who came to the farm to purchase food for their families over the years. He continued to tend to his garden and vineyard until his health declined in recent years.

Charlie graduated from Perrysburg High School in 1954, and as recently as this fall was still attending reunions with his classmates. Heartfelt thanks to Fritz Shufeldt for keeping Dad in the loop.

Charlie was a dedicated employee of The Anderson’s in Maumee, Ohio for most of his adult life, continuing to work part time into his eighties so that he could continue to enjoy the dozens of coworkers who had become dear friends. He was an expert in all things farming and grain, and knew every local farmer who came in to dump their trucks over the last several decades. He was the namesake for the “Rinker Tube”, a device that was fashioned in the 1960’s by emergency crews that had been called to The Anderson’s to rescue him from being buried alive in a grain silo. This practice continues to be used to this day to save others in similar circumstances. Due to their efforts and by the grace of God, Charlie walked away from this incident without a scratch.

Charlie married Eunice Floro on August 27, 1965, and they were looking forward to celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary next year.

Dad enjoyed riding his bicycle and walking at local park trails. His absolute favorite thing was cherry pie, and he could always be found with candy and a bag of chips. And the ice cream! Mr. Freeze has lost their best customer. He was a loyal Cleveland Indians fan his entire life and enjoyed thousands of games from his living room. Go Tribe! He will be missed for his wry sense of humor and his love and devotion to his family. We will never hear him whistle again, and that is heartbreaking.

Charlie was predeceased by his parents, brothers Georgie and Billy, and his first-born son, John David Rinker. He is survived by his wife Eunice, daughter and son-in-law Mariann and Matthew Przysiecki and their children Connor and Emma, son David Rinker and his partner Burnadette, grandsons Michael (Rachel) Rinker and Charles (Hannah) Rinker, one great-grandson, Frederick Rinker, his brother Frank Rinker and his children, and special friend Sarah Lubash.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024 at the Walker Funeral Home Witzler-Shank in Perrysburg, Ohio from 3:00 - 7:00 pm. Funeral services will take place at 10:00 am Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Zoar Lutheran Church in Perrysburg, Ohio where Charlie worshipped weekly for his entire life and served his congregation community faithfully. Burial will follow at Fort Meigs cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Browning Masonic Community for their loving care of Charlie over the last year, especially Shawnta Washington, Leslie Zapiecki and Heather Wylie. We are also thankful to Waterville Fire & Rescue, and Waterville Police for their kindness. And we are especially grateful to those dear friends who continued to visit Charlie until the end. You know who you are. Condolences can be shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com