Stephen G. Rinke

Stephen Gerard Rinke, 49 of Fort Smith, died Wednesday February 23, 2011 in Fort Smith. Born in Clarksville, AR on March 17, 1961, he was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Florine Rinke, an older brother, Ed, and his brother-in-law Rob Ricketts.

He is survived by sons Connor and Derek Rinke, a daughter Jessica Ward, three step-children, Casey and Corey Bauer and Caitlin Conner, three sisters Joanne and Karen Rinke and Virginia Ricketts, several grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was employed by the Fort Smith Radio Group and truly loved the work he did. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

Rosary will be said 7:00 PM Friday, February 25, 2011 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Funeral Mass will be celebrated 1:00 PM Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Fentress Mortuary of Fort Smith.

Pallbearers will be Chad Moore, Nick Gramlich, James “Butch” Gilyard, Marty Huston, Dennis Snow, Dennis McCasslin, John Weisenfels, and Terry Black. Honorary Pallbearers will be employees of the Fort Smith Radio Group and Clarksville High School Class of 1979.

Memorials may be sent to Special Olympics Arkansas 2115 Main Street North Little Rock, AR 72114 or on line at http://www.specialolympicsarkansas.org/index.cfm