Thomas Rinck

Thomas William Rinck was born on January 21, 1960, in Grand Rapids, and he died in the same hospital he was born in on September 7, 2024. He was the child of Richard and Ann (Weening) Rinck, both of whom predeceased him, and he was the sibling of James (Debra Dominiak) and Mary (Brian Evers). He also is survived by several nephews and nieces: Abraham Rinck, Levi Rinck, Charlotte Cox Elliott, Andrew (Clara) Evers, and grand nephew Sebastian Elliott, as well as by numerous cousins. Tom was born with some prodigious mental gifts: he had a photographic memory, perfect pitch, and a mind that allowed him to teach himself how to read and to memorize more facts about United States Presidents than anyone whom you ever might meet. He even memorized the entire hymnbook at church. Unfortunately, he also suffered from lifelong mental impairments which thwarted his abilities to translate those gifts into a productive and happy life. Nevertheless, his idiosyncratic style endeared him to many of the people whom he met and especially to the Didaskalou family. That family (to whom the Rinck family expresses its eternal gratitude) essentially adopted Tom and took him into their home after health crises prevented Tom from living on his own and being alone. He spent years with them, both living with them and working in their music store (the former Middleton’s Music), where he endeared himself to many of the customers. He also was a regular churchgoer at Trinity Reformed Church, where that congregation also treated him with a great deal of understanding and kindness (for which the Rincks are thankful as well). And the response to his death has simply confirmed the indelible impressions that he left on so many persons. Certainly, none of us will ever meet anyone quite like him again.

The Rinck and Didaskalou families invite all of Tom’s friends to his viewing at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home (Van Strien Creston Chapel) at 1833 Plainfield Avenue, N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49505, on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. A second viewing time is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., on September 12th, followed by a celebration of life ceremony starting at 1:00 p.m. which will be led by Reverend Benjamin Bruins of Trinity Reformed Church. All participants are welcome to a post-service reception at the funeral home thereafter. Should anyone be motivated to make a contribution in Tom’s name, please send it to Trinity Reformed Church. And no flowers, please; instead, please wear hats like the ones that Tom favored.

To read more about Tom, to share a memory or photo, or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com