Eleanor Kenning Rinas

Eleanor Kenning Rinas, 96, of St. Joseph, went to meet her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, Sunday, August 29, 2021 at her home. A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a later date at Peace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph. Graveside services will be held 2:00 P.M. Friday, September 3, 2021, at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph, with Rev. Ronald Schmidt officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 12:30 until 1:45 P.M. Friday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial donations in Eleanor’s name may be made to Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph or Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to sign Eleanor’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Eleanor was born May 23, 1925 in Chicago to August & Henrietta (Bluege) Kenning. She attended Holy Cross Lutheran Church and School where she was baptized and confirmed. She then attended The Lutheran Institute of Chicago for High School, graduating in 1943. After graduation, Eleanor worked for the Sterling Insurance Company, Chicago as a clerk in the receiving department of billing. During this time she met her future husband, Henry “Hank” Rinas on a blind date arranged by her cousin. They were married soon after Hank was discharged from the Army. The newlyweds moved to St. Joseph, MI and started a family. Eleanor worked as a stay-at-home mother until she found employment at the St. Joseph High School cafeteria, then Milton Jr. High School and then later at Upton Middle School. She retired from the school district in 1982. Eleanor was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Joseph and a charter member of Peace Lutheran, St. Joseph. She was active in Fellowship, Bible Studies, Altar Guild, and as a Thrivent Coordinator. Although she led a quiet life, she enjoyed traveling with Hank. They took two memorable trips to West Germany to visit Hank’s relatives, onetime crossing into East Germany to see family. Eleanor is survived by two children-Michael Rinas of Tacoma, WA, Lisa Maxwell of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; six grandchildren-Donnie (Amanda) Rinas, Jayson Rinas, Kevin Rinas, Brett Maxwell, Kyle Maxwell, Sara Maxwell; four great-grandchildren-D.Henry, Hope, Esther & Eleanor Rinas; and several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Hank on March 16, 2001, her brother August Kenning, and her son-in-law Guy Maxwell.