Elmer Rinard

After a long, full life Elmer Rinard joined the love of his life Onie Gould on August 17, 2022. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa to Edith and Elmer Rinard, Sr. on November 29th, 1922, and had 2 brothers Cecil and Raymond, both deceased.

Raised by his mother after his parents divorced when he was 2 years old, he spent his first 19 years in Boone, Iowa. He enlisted in the Army on October 12, 1942 and experienced a world tour of North Africa, Italy, and the Philippines. Elmer would talk about how he would feed hundreds of fellow soldiers and how proud he was to serve his country. He was discharged Dec 12, 1945, and remained active in the American Legion.

Elmer would fondly say to everyone, "The smartest thing I ever did was talk a sweet lady named Onie Gould into going dancing with me one Saturday night at the local Eagles Club." This kicked off a romance of 23 years. He went from no family of his own to being wrapped into the big loving family he always wanted, made up of 4 families – Dave & Peggy Portch, Gary and Becky Gould, Kathy and Dave Winzer and Anita and Ron Cook. This made him a grandpa to 12 grandkids, 22 great-grandkids, and 8 great-great grandkids who adored him.

He leaves behind the big family he loved and many friends he made along the way at work as a butcher and at the USBR. He was a member of the Nazarene Church, the Senior Center, and the American Legion.

Elmer loved the song "Grandpa" by the Judds. When a "youngster" comes up to you and says, "Hi Grandpa" and gives you a hug, that makes the journey through life all worthwhile.

A celebration of Elmer's life will take place at 10 am on Thursday, August 25th, 2022 at the Nazarene Church in Grand Coulee with cake and ice cream to follow.

Elmer asked that any memorial contributions be made to Grand Coulee Seniors or to The American Legion Post #157.

Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee is honored to be caring for Elmer. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.stratefuneral.com for the Elmer's family and friends.