Elphin George Rinn, 94
Elphin George Rinn, much beloved father and grandfather, died in Huntsville, Ala., Tuesday after a brief illness. He was 94.
"Al", as he was known to his many friends, was born in his family's home near Rollingstone, Minn. His parents, Andrew Rinn and Eleanor Fackler soon moved to Wisconsin, where he graduated from La Crosse High School. He and Frieda were married in 1932. His parents passed away when he had been married only a short time. Al became close to his in-laws and always referred to them as "Mom and Dad". He was active in his faith and attended Bethel United Methodist Church of Pueblo, Colo., until moving to Huntsville in 2004.
Al was always optimistic, an inspiration to many with his keen mind and positive demeanor, having a love of family and friends that was well known and apparent. He and Frieda loved the West and spent many happy days hiking in Colorado and collecting antiques together.
In World War II, he taught Morse code, radio repair and electronics theory for the U.S. Army Signal Corps and the U.S. Army Air Force. During most of his life, he worked in the broadcast industry as a station manager, chief engineer, sports announcer and sales manager. He sold real estate after retiring from radio and television.
Al was a long-time volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America. He was a special person to all who knew him, always kind and caring. He and Frieda were married for 72 years until her death.
His wife, Frieda Dora Rinn and infant son, Elphin Andrew Rinn, preceded him in death. He is survived by two sons and their wives, Peter and Barbara of Placitas, NM., 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, NC. He will be greatly missed by friends and family.
A memorial service will be a 7 p.m. Saturday at Monte Sano United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dale Clem officiating. Laughlin Service Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Huntsville Hospital or your favorite charity.