Ronald Norbert Rinkel

Ronald Norbert “Ronnie” Rinkel, age 89, of Hillman, Minnesota, passed away on March 4, 2026, at the DVA Medical Center in St. Cloud.

Born on February 15, 1937, in Melrose, Minnesota, to George and Mercedes (Beumer) Rinkel, Ron grew up attending country school and graduated from Milaca High School. He worked on iron ore ships in Duluth, served as a milk inspector across Minnesota, and later found his calling in construction, framing homes and commercial buildings throughout the Twin Cities and central Minnesota. From 1959 to 1961, he served in the U.S. Army as a dental assistant.

In 1963, Ron married the love of his life, Mary Ann, after meeting her at dances at Gotvald’s Corner. The couple lived in Minneapolis before purchasing R & R Farms near Hillman, where they raised their family and, together with his oldest son and brother’s family, established Mudfest, LLC. Ron’s deep commitment to community and public service defined much of his life. A life member of the Wojiak-Talberg American Legion Post 602, he served as post commander and personally oversaw countless military burial honors. For twenty-five years he was appointed by five Minnesota governors to the citizens committee at Camp Ripley, where he helped recruit and train Minnesota National Guard personnel. He was actively involved in the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, the Blandin Leadership Program, the Minnesota Beef Council, and the American Dairy Association. As Morrison County Commissioner, he played a key role in the planning and development of the new prison and courthouse in Little Falls. For five years he chaired the Milaca School Board, advocating for fair treatment of teachers and ensuring rural students had equal opportunities through improved school infrastructure.

Ron is survived by his wife, Mary Ann of Hillman; his children, Ralph of Hillman, Gwen Rinkel of Milaca, Lloyd of Hillman, Janice (Matt) Blazey of West Chester, Pennsylvania, and Mark (Chantel) of Princeville, Illinois; eleven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Joyce Keehr of Hillman, Ginny Thorn of Rush City, Gladys Thompson of Apple Valley, and Carl of Hillman. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Carole Ham and Marlys McDonald; brother Vern; and step-brothers Jim Thorn, Lyle Keehr, and Don Ham.