Arnold M. Rinsch

It is with much sadness we announce the passing of Arnold in his home in Edina, Minnesota, after several years with dementia, surrounded by his beloved family on July 14, 2022, at the age of 81.  

Arnold was born in Freelandville, Indiana on May 27, 1941, the son of Arnold L. Rinsch and Mildred O. Rinsch (nee Mills).  Freelandville is where he always called home.  He told many stories about helping his father in the summers with his brick laying business, and he enjoyed learning about construction and mechanics which inspired his career as an engineer.  Arnold attended Freelandville High School and graduated from Oaktown High School where his father taught, later attending Vincennes University to earn his Associate degree.  He graduated in 1971 from University of Evansville obtaining his degree in Professional Engineering.  

Arnold later met his loving wife, Kathleen, and they married in June 1975.  He used his knowledge of brick laying and construction to build their dream home in Freelandville on family-owned land, which was a beautiful place to raise their son, Adam.  He was a member of Bethel Church and later Salem United Church of Christ, and a proud 44-year member of the Elks organization in Bicknell, Indiana.

Arnold was, rightly so, very proud of his career as a mechanical engineer at Crane Naval Base where he was employed nearly 40 years.  Remarkable stories of travels near and far to contribute to the industry remain part of his legacy.  After retirement, he enjoyed spending quality time with his wife, taking road trips,and visiting family.  

After Kathleen’s untimely passing in 2011, he spent his time in Freelandville perfecting his woodworking and blackberry wine-making skills (blackberries harvested straight from his garden).  Arnold moved to Edina, Minnesota with his family in 2017 early in his diagnosis and remained there throughout its progression until his death.  

Arnold is survived by his son, Adam; daughter-in-law, Deborah; grandchildren, Graham, Sydney, and Lane (Edina, MN); brother, Lawrence (Lawrenceville, IL); sister, Wilma (Peoria, IL); many other relatives and friends.  Preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen; father, Arnold; mother, Mildred; sister, Lois.

Funeral service to honor Arnold will be held Saturday, August 6th.  Visitation 10am – Noon followed by the funeral service and burial at Noon.  An Elks memorial service will be conducted at 11:15 am also on Sat Aug 6, 2022 at Salem UCC, Westphalia, IN

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Kathleen W. Rinsch Memorial Educational Scholarship, to support localyouth scholarships in the field of Education atwww.knoxcountycf.org.

Link to Give: 

https://alliance.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2152&sorg_id=1002

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