Frieda Dora Rinn, 92

Frieda Dora Rinn, 92, of Huntsville, Ala., died peacefully Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2004, after a short illness.

Services will be held at a later date in Wisconsin.

Frieda was born in her family's farmhouse near Coon Valley, Wis. Her parents, William Eggler and Martha Ruoff, were Swiss, and Frieda took particular pride in her family of origin and was fluent in German. Her father, mother, two sisters and brother all lived well into their 90s.

Frieda attended a one-room school and was a graduate of La Cross High School. She was an active member of her congregation at the Bethel United Methodist Church of Pueblo, Colo., until relocating to Huntsville this past summer.

Frieda pursued life with a passion, engaging in numerous hobbies. Her knowledge and collection of antique dolls (her "babies") and glass were well known. She wrote beautiful poetry about her life, family and times. Frieda and her husband always maintained a well-manicured yard, and she was an avid gardener. She had an infectious enthusiasm for learning (for example, she completed reading every book by Louis L'Amour). She and Al loved to explore the mountains of her beloved Colorado.

Her greatest gift, however, was caring for her family and providing love to all. She and Al were a happy, loving couple for 72 years until her passing.

Frieda is survived by her husband, Elphin G. "Al" Rinn; and two sons and their wives, Peter and Barbara of Placitas, N.M., and Roger and Judy of Huntsville, Ala. Also surviving are granddaughter, Rebecca Blair Rinn of Huntsville, and granddaughter and husband, Drs. Andrea and Richard Rissmiller of Charlotte, N.C. She was preceded in death by a son, Elphin Andrew Rinn.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the American Heart Association or to your favorite charity.

Laughlin Service Funeral Home of Huntsville, Ala., is in charge of local arrangements.