Richard Lee Rinkel of Madison, Alabama passed away on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at the age of 79 after a month-long battle with COVID and pneumonia, Rich died peacefully with his beloved wife Judy, their children, and daughter-in-law by his side.
Rich was born in Troy, Illinois on October 12, 1942, to father George Rinkel and mother Edna Rinkel. The fifth of six children, Rich helped out on his family’s farm and worked various jobs starting at an early age. Later, while participating in a 4-H event, he met Judy Philippe and they soon married. His work ethic and desire to take care of his family led to him to join the Air Force at age 19. Rich enjoyed a very successful 22-year career in the USAF, during which he earned a Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering and a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. He served his country in the Vietnam war and two tours of duty in Germany. He also served in assignments at Air Force Bases in six different states.
Upon completing his military career in 1983, Rich moved his family to Huntsville, Alabama and began a second career supporting numerous DoD and NASA contracts. He retired from TRW in 1999 and then began working at QTEC, until he retired again in 2018.
Rich was a dedicated Christian. He willingly shared his faith and work ethic with those who knew him. His faith led him to give his resources and time to many causes. Rich always had time for people and this led to many friend and mentor relationships.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents, by his brothers George Rinkel and Marlin Rinkel and by his sister Elaine Knecht. He is survived by his wife Judy Rinkel; children Wyatt (Linda) Rinkel and Jay Rinkel; grandchildren Tyler Rinkel, Julie (Tyler) Cypret, Tom Rinkel and Jamie Rinkel; and sister Lynette Noeltner and brother Paul (Vicki) Rinkel.
A visitation will be held at West Huntsville Baptist Church, 2211 Triana Blvd. Huntsville, AL 35805, on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 10 am, followed by a funeral service, officiated by Pastor Scott Gossett, at 11 am. The service will be streamed live at westhuntsville.com. The family is being served by Hazel Green Funeral Home of Hazel Green, Alabama.
