Richard J. Rinke

Richard J. Rinke, age 91, a 62-year resident of Romeo, passed away Monday, February 9, 2026,at Orchard Grove Health Campus in Romeo, Michigan. Richard was born May 28, 1934, in Erie, Pennsylvania, the son of Rudolph and Florence (Roach) Rinke. Richard was a graduate of Cathedral Prep High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served our country for three years before being honorably discharged. Richard married BarbaraAnn King on January 8,1955, in Erie Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, he worked double-duty and graduated from Gannon University with a business degree. Afterward, he moved from Erie to Romeo to eventually became part owner at Lyon’s Plumbing & Heating, part-owner ofthe M-53 Car Wash on Bailey Street, and prepared taxes for numerous friends and clients out of his home. Richard enjoyed camping in Allegheny State Park, playing cards,golfing anywhere and bowling when able. He was an incredible baseball coachin the Romeo Parks& Recreation leaguefor 26 years – the only undefeated manager and team to date – and was active in the local Striber-McVicar VFW 2052, and the Knights of Columbus, as well as St. Clement Catholic Church where he was an usher and counted church collections for decades.

Richard is survived by his children, Susan (Rob) Temple of Romeo, Deborah (John) Zimmer of Armada, Mary (Mark) Hansen of Washington, Lisa (Matt) Jaroch of Romeo, Rob (Kris) Rinke of Romeo, Ryan (Cindy) Rinke of Shelby Township, and Russ (Cheryl) Rinke of Oakland Township, brother, David (Marilyn) Rinke of Erie, Pennsylvania, grandchildren, Jennifer (Christopher Abeare) Zimmer, Ben (Amy) Zimmer, Adam (Ashia) Zimmer, Brad (Alexandria) Hansen, Andrew Hansen, Alex (Jessica) Hansen, Nick (Sara) Jaroch, Courtney (Peter) Kearns, Christine (Matt) Hamet, Alicia Dunn, Samantha (Mike) Moran, Danielle (Nate) Petrylak, Spencer (Madison) Rinke, Nathan Rinke, Joey Rinke, Jordan Rinke, Brandon Rinke, Megan Rinke, Jacob Rinke and Jonathan Rinke, as well as 11 great-grandchildren, and long-time girlfriend and companion Connie Budzol. Richard is preceded in death by his wife Barbara in 2001, son Richard “Chip” Rinke Jr., brother Thomas Rinke, and great-grandchild Grace Zimmer.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 1:00-8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Rosary, at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, February 12, 2026, 10:00 AM at St. Clement Catholic Church.