Rinner, Andrew James (1924-2004)

Newton Kansan obituary: 2004 Apr 27 p. 2; 2004 Apr 28 p. 2; 2004 Apr 29 p. 2

Birth date: 1924 Jan 13

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2004 May 10 p. 12

text of obituary:

A. JAMES RINNER

Andrew James Rinner, 80, of North Newton, Kan., died April 27, 2004, at Kidron Bethel healthcare. He was born Jan. 13, 1924, to Arnold and Mabel (Eicher) Rinner in Wayland, Iowa.

He grew up on a farm, but was always more interested in playing the piano as a child. This interest continued through his adult years and developed into a great love for organ music. He also enjoyed reading and educational pursuits.

He had a year at Bluffton (Ohio) College before being drafted. He served in Civilian Public Service at Hill City, S.D., Ypsilanti (Mich.) State Hospital and La Plata, Puerto Rico.

At Ypsilanti he met Esther Lehrman, and they were married on June 30, 1949, in Aberdeen, Idaho.

After his return from Puerto Rico, he was a student at Alexian Brothers School of Nursing in Chicago and received his R.N. diploma, followed by a year at Bethel College for his bachelor’s degree. Later he received his master’s degree from the University of Colorado.

He worked as a teacher and assistant director of Grace Hospital School of Nursing in Hutchinson and at Bethel Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Newton. After the school of nursing closed, he taught at Wichita State University, worked for the American Red Cross blood bank and at Meadowlark Homestead in Newton.

He served on the Kansas State Board of Nursing and the Bethel College board of directors.

He was active at Wayland Mennonite Church, First Mennonite Church of Hutchinson and Bethel College Mennonite Church of North Newton. He enjoyed travel, and was particularly interested in visiting cathedrals in Europe and hearing organ concerts. He enjoyed oil painting and playing in the handbell choir at church.

Survivors include his wife, Esther; two daughters, Jeanette Grantstein and her husband, Steve, and Amy Dueckman and her husband, Wayne; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Marvin; and a sister, Gertrude Boese.

Memorial services were held at Bethel College Mennonite Church.