John Rinkenberger Sr., 66, of Urbana, passed away peacefully at Carle Foundation Hospital on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

John was born in August 1958, in Pontiac, Illinois. John is survived by his wife, Donna, his children, John Jr. and Christine, the mothers of his grandchildren, Amy Wyatt and April Rinkenberger, his grandchildren, Grace, Jordan, Candice, Camron, and Bentley, and his siblings, Dennis Rinkenberger (Mary Ann) and Jean McConkey. He had many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and was so proud to be a part of the Rinkenberger and Auskalnis extended families. He was preceded in his death by his parents, Fred and Elda “Marie” Rinkenberger, as well as his brother, Robert.

John had many fond memories of growing up in Flanagan and Elsworth, Illinois. John attended Illinois State University, where he met Donna, his wife of 44 years. They settled in the Urbana area and had two children. John loved watching John Jr. and Christine grow up, spending much of that era volunteering for various booster clubs, watching them play sports, and singing in the choir. In 1997, John began working as the Assistant Director in charge of Hospitality Management at the Assembly Hall (State Farm Center). He had a fulfilling career overseeing the food service/marketing department where he served hungry patrons, ensured celebrity performers were taken care of, and built connections with all who worked with him, including the many non-profit groups who ran the concession stands.

John was a devoted congregate of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He served the parish alongside his wife in many ways, such as being a lector and Eucharistic Minister, cooking at events, and helping with the Cellar to Garret Garage Sale. John loved to travel with his family. Whether it was a quick trip to Chicago or St. Louis, or travelling all the way out West, he loved learning the history of places, exploring, and the adventure of travelling. He also enjoyed playing games like Risk and Dominoes with his loved ones, singing and listening to music, and watching the Illini. John will be dearly missed by his loving family and friends.

A funeral mass celebrating John’s life will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 15, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Urbana. A visitation will take place from 5 – 7 p.m. on Monday, October 14, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory in Urbana.

Memorials can be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Food Pantry or to the American Heart Association.