Raymond R. Rinkol, Sr.

Raymond Richard Rinkol, Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on January 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 79 years old.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 23, 2025 at St. Isidore's Catholic Church in Columbus. There will be a 5:00 p.m. Vigil service with a Rosary prayer Wednesday at Church. Visitation will continue following the Vigil until 7:00 p.m., all at the Church. Military Honors by the American Legion Hartman Post #84 Honor Guard will be conducted. Private family burial will take place at St. Mary's/Pilzno Catholic Cemetery.

Ray was born on February 18, 1945, in Genoa, Nebraska, to Stanley and Victoria (Czarnik) Rinkol. He grew up on the family farm south of Krakow, where he was one of ten children. Ray shared a special bond with his eight brothers and one sister; and together they created lasting memories, including playing Polish polka music with Ray on the accordion.

A lifelong member of the Catholic faith, Ray attended Krakow Catholic School until eighth grade, then graduated from Genoa High School in 1963. Ray grew up just a short walk from church where he served as an altar boy for Father Flisiak, a role he continued throughout high school.

Ray began serving in the United States Army on May 17, 1966, serving honorably for two years repairing helicopters while in Germany. During his service, he formed a close-knit group of friends who made it a tradition to reunite every five years in various destinations, staying connected throughout his life. Upon his return, Ray continued to serve in the Army Reserves for an additional two years.

Ray continued playing the accordion, and two families came together to form the Urkoski and Rinkol Orchestra. Later, Ray's family established the Rinkol Orchestra, performing Polka music at numerous weddings and anniversaries, bringing joy to the community for many years.

On September 14, 1968, Ray married Margaret Helen Swantek, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pilzno, rural Osceola, Nebraska. Together they were blessed with five daughters—Denise, Debra, Lori, Sherri, and Cindy—and one son, Ray Jr., and raised their family on an acreage south of Columbus. There they created a warm and loving home full of laughter and wonderful memories, where a strong sense of family was at the heart of everything they did.

In 1968, Ray began his career with Pat's Store for Homes as a carpet layer, later starting his own business, Triple R Carpets, where he installed carpet and flooring for 30 years and took pride in his work. In 1991, Ray and Marge started Flowers From the Heart, a business they ran for 30 years. Ray was involved in the business, helping with many things, including delivering flowers. After retiring from his carpet-laying career, Ray worked for Columbus Public Schools for 15 years making lifelong friends.

Ray and Marge were active members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in rural Bellwood for 40 years, where Ray served in various roles. In 2008, they moved to Columbus and became members of St. Isidore's Catholic Church where Ray remained actively involved.

Ray loved pheasant hunting, playing cards and horseshoes, and spending time with family. He especially looked forward to the holidays and weekend gatherings which centered around card games, Busch Light, and many kids running around. His funny comments and poking fun always brought a smile to those around him. Ray also enjoyed playing cards on Sundays and during the week with friends.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Marge; their children Denise (Jay) Ingalls, Debra (Mike) Jilek, Lorraine Egger, Sherri (Jake) Micek, Cindy (Josh) Clausen, and Ray (Dr. Jasmin Morrison) Rinkol, Jr.; and 19 grandchildren, Gannen and Reece Ingalls, Ryan, Caroline, Elsie, and Anna Jilek, Emma, Gavin, and Ava Egger, Collins Micek, step-grandchildren Kensey and Kobe Micek, Stella, Graham, Knox, and Turner Clausen, and Max, Miles, and Mason Rinkol.

He is also survived by his brothers Bennie (Verlene) Rinkol, Stanley (Gerri) Rinkol, Leo (Rose) Rinkol, and his sisters-in-law Janet Rinkol, as well as Carol Swantek and Carolyn Swantek.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Victoria Rinkol; brothers Edward (Margie) Rinkol, Edwin Rinkol, Louis Rinkol, Mae (Louie) Cheloha, Clemence (Evelyn) Rinkol, and Joseph Rinkol; nephews Patrick Cheloha and Greg Rinkol; in-laws John and Victoria (Hanzel) Swantek; and sisters-in-law Inez (Joe) Sempek, Theresa (Ted) Micek, Rita (Lloyd) Bialas; and brothers-in-law John Jr., Stanley, and Richard Swantek; and in-law nieces and a nephew.

Ray's legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. His devotion to his family, his faith, and his music will never be forgotten. He touched the lives of so many, and his memory will continue to bring comfort and joy to those who loved and knew him.