John J. Rink Sr.
It's difficult to find the words to say at such a painful time, but in spite of the long ordeal John endured, it's the fun times I remember most. I'll never forget celebrating his last birthday out here in Colorado. Jeff and I picked out the worst movie ever as a gift, but we all got a kick out of the ridiculous kung-fu elephant action film. For a man of endless stories, he was unusually short on words over the phone. I can hear his voice vividly and only wish his grandson, Nathan, could have been old enough to know Grandpa's stories well enough to retell them. John's "don't mess with this Bohemi" attitude makes me smile, because I have seen that tough guy image melt away and his genuine kindness shine through. Nothing was more touching to me than the way he would light up when he was able to spend time with Nathan. I know he is finally at peace and watching over us from above. Think of John out boating, fishing, and walking around without struggling to do so... that's where he is now. I will miss my father-in-law and my friend. We all will. With love, Marci
Marci Eckles
Colorado Springs
CO
Annette, I'm so very sorry. I only hope he was able to go in peace and you were with him. I have been there and it sure is not a fun time. We have to believe that he is in a much better place and at peace. I will not be able to come to the Memorial on Saturday as that is the day the kids are going to be here for Christmas. Don is in New Zealand visiting his youngest son and wife for Christmas. Judy is in Georgia and will not be back either. Please know that I'm thinking of you and your family. Please lets get together after the Holidays. All my love, Pat
Patricia Pat Sass
Waterloo
IA
We send our sympathy to John's family. We will miss him here in Florida.
Ron & Carolyn Chapman
Ft.Myers Beach,
FL
Remembering the many years working with John and the choir pactice`s George Weeks
George Weeks
Quartzsite
AZ
My sympathies are with all of the family.
Kent Kunkel
Waukee
IA
Dan, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May God give you strength to get through this very difficult time right now and may your fathers memories live in your hearts forever. Take care, Christy
Christy Berger
Cedar Rapids
IA
Annette, John Jr. & Dan, My parents and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. John and my dad spent many years working together as supervisors at Quaker. John was my supervisor his last four years at Quaker. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Paul Meier
Paul Meier
Cedar Rapids
IA
John and I send our deepest sympathy. I came to Quaker Oats right of college and a female supervisor at that! John took me under his wings and taught me how to survive, including "choir practices"!! John was a groomsmen at our wedding and truly made our day special. He will be truly missed by all of us. We are truly honored to have had John as our friend. May God grant each of you comfort and peace and know he loved each of you dearly. Diane Best Vick
Diane Best & John Vick
Keswick
VA
I worked for John for several years at Quaker Oats and knew him for many more after leaving his department. He was always a very likeable and fair individual and a credit to the company and his subordinates. He will be missed.
Michael Merrigan
Cedar Rapids
IA
Dan, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I don't know if you remember me or not, but my name used to be Kelly Regan and I used to know you and Jeff a thousand years ago. I don't ever remember meeting your father, but I just want to send my sympathies. It seems like just yesterday we were all hanging out at 7-11, riding bikes through the trails or getting into some kind of trouble. It's crazy how the years fly by. Please extend my sympathies to your whole family. Kelly
Kelly Miller
Lakeville
MN
Annette and loved ones of John, You have our deepest sympathy-May the Lord give you strength and comfort in this so difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers-we've known both of you for such a long time and will not forget you or John. If we can help please let us know. We would have loved to be there Saturday but we are the Hosts of Nancy's side family Christmas get together on Saturday afternoon. We are planning to leave for Fort Myers Beach shortly after Christmas and were planning on getting ahold of you and John. God bless and be with you - Ross & Nancy
Ross & Nancy Koster
Atkins
IA
Even in illness, he gave his all. He was so proud of his family and Annette was definitely his guardian angel. Rest in peace John.
Kim Coleman
Ft Myers
FL
I work with Donna Vollenweider at Veridian Credit Union. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and pour out His mercy and grace upon you and give you His peace. With sympathy, Connie Bruns.
Connie Bruns
Waterloo
IA
Dan and Christi My sincere condolences in the passing of a passionate Father, Father in Law. My thoughts are with you in this time of loss.
Mary Kacere
Cedar Rapids
IA
Dear Annette & family, I was so sorry to hear about John's passing. I really enjoyed working with John all those years at Quaker Oats. Annette, please accept my most sincere condolences. John will be missed. Sincerely, Dave Walshire
David Walshire
Anamosa
IA
Another Quaker remembering choir practice after second shift. You always knew you would have a great time with Rink. Just thinking about brings a smile. As Rink used to say,"Sally may, but Terri will.
Terri Wilson
Harrisburg
PA
John's Family You have my deepest sympathy during this time. I learned a lot from John during my years of working with him at Quaker. We also spent many a Friday night solving all the world's problems. Knowing John, you knew the most important things in his life were 1. His family and 2. his guns and NRA membership. Just thinking of John brings a smile to my face. Take care and God Bless
Sally May
Port St Lucie
FL
Annette and family I am sorry to hear of Johns' passing. There was never a dull moment when interacting with John at work. We all shall miss him.
Randy Schulte
Norway
IA
My sympathy to John's family. He was a fellow that enjoyed visiting with everyone!! John always kidded me about getting Donnie to "Choir Practice". "Got to get Donnie home by midnight before his car gets turned into a pumpkin". And then we would laugh!! He nicknamed our son "Buckshot". After all these years, the older workers at Quaker Oats still call Paul by that name. Carlene Meier
Carlene Meier
Cedar Rapids
IA
Annette, John Jr, Danny, We wish to send our deepest sympathies. No words can express the loss you must be feeling. Sorry we could not be there but know that we are thinking of you. We must all keep in our hearts what Big John meant to us. He was a great family man and friend.
Josh, Carrie, Jack
Seattle
WA
John was a very good boss and a real nice guy just to talk with he will be greatly missed