Larry D. Rinker

Died: Nov. 7, 2009

ELIZABETH, Ill. -- Larry D. Rinker, 69, of Dubuque, Iowa, formerly of Elizabeth, died Saturday at his home.

He is survived in Greeneville, Tenn., by his twin brother and his wife: Jerry and Ruth Rinker.

Born April 23, 1940, in Hartford City, Ind., he was a son of the late Cleo and Mary Audrey (Lucas) Rinker.

He was a 1958 graduate of Hartford City High School and attended Aeronautical School in Tulsa, Okla. After school he served his country in the U.S. Air Force.

On Aug. 29, 1976, Mr. Rinker married Rosemarie P. McDonough in St. Juliana Church in Chicago.

Mr. Rinker was an aircraft mechanic for TWA and later American Airlines, retiring in 1997.

He and his wife, Rosemarie, moved to Elizabeth in 1997.

Mr. Rinker collected World War I memorabilia and antique firearms. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifleman Association.

"Larry loved the outdoors; he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and shooting skeet. He also enjoyed traveling and had visited over 25 countries, his favorite being Australia. Most of all, Larry cherished spending time with his family. He will be dearly missed," his family stated.

Survivors, in addition to his wife and a brother and sister-in-law, include a sister in-law: Lynne Rinker; a special aunt: Margaret Layman of Warren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Ray Rinker.

The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. today at Law-Jones Funeral Home in Elizabeth.

The funeral service will be held at 11 o'clock Wednesday morning in the funeral home chapel. The Rev. Dan Schenck will officiate.

Interment will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Elizabeth.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dubuque, 2255 JFK Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52001.

Condolences and tributes may be sent to the Rinker family online at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.