John Rinehardt

John Jacob Rinehardt, age 76, passed away on Friday afternoon, March 13, 2009. Born August 1st, 1932, John grew up in the years of the Great Depression. However, John did not spend much time thinking about how tough life was because, like so many others, that was all he knew. Young John didn't realize that the hunting, trapping and fishing that he enjoyed with his father was the only way that the family could afford to put meat on the table.

During his formative years, John's character was forged out of self reliance and hard work. He graduated from Mentor High School in 1950, and went to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

While attending Miami, John met and married Susan VanDeventer from Upper Arlington. John obtained his law degree from the Ohio State University in 1956. Upon passing the bar exam, he moved to Mansfield to practice law and raise his family.

John embarked upon his professional life with the zeal of someone doing what he loved. From the start, John's three passions were his family, his profession, and the Democratic Party, not always in that order.

During the terms that John served as chairman of the Richland County Democratic Party he called things as he saw them with independence and integrity.

For the past 34 years, John found himself confined to a wheelchair. Paralyzed from the shoulders down, John awoke each morning with the realization that completing even the most basic tasks—getting from his bed to his wheelchair, brushing his teeth, getting dressed—would be a physical and mental struggle. Through strength of will and stubborn determination John met each of his daily challenges head on, his effervescent smile lighting the way.

After his injury, John chose to focus not on what had been taken away but upon all that remained. He vowed that he would return to his law practice and that he would do it on his own. There are many accounts of John having refused the kindly offered assistance of passersby as he determinedly wheeled himself from his office to the courthouse.

Understanding only too well that tomorrow can be altered or taken away in the blink of an eye, he chose to represent only those persons whose causes he believed in. Once committed to his client's cause he demonstrated a bulldog's tenacity, staying the course until he had done all he could to see that justice was served. Many of John's clients became his friends. His loyalty to his clients and friends was trumped only by his adherence to his principles.

In spite of all he had to endure, John still considered himself lucky. Lucky to be involved in the lives of his family, lucky to be able to follow the profession that he held in such high regard and lucky to have been a partner in a law firm made up of men and women of such generosity, compassion and integrity.

In June of 1999, it was with joy in his heart that John married Loreice "Peachy" Seidner. John was embraced by the Seidner family and held each of them dear to his heart. So strong was the bond forged between John and Loreice that from the day of their marriage they were almost constantly in each other's company. For the entire duration of his last illness, to his very last breath, Peachy was there at his side.

John's triumph over the many ailments that assailed him over the years made those of us closest to him believe that he could survive any obstacle placed in his path. It seemed that he would be around long after all of us had passed on. That he has succumbed comes as a great shock and brings with it much sadness.

John through his actions and words inspired many, but none more than his family. We will remember him fondly and miss him greatly.

Even as he battled one incapacitating illness after another over these last six months John steadfastly remained committed to resuming his law practice and keeping up with the activities of his grandchildren. John was so resolute in making a difference in the lives of others that retirement never entered his mind. He cherished the rhythm of his daily life in a way that is illustrated by the account of St. Francis of Assisi who it is said was hoeing his garden one sunny afternoon. St. Francis was asked what he would do if he were suddenly to learn that he would die before sunset that very day. He replied, "I would finish hoeing the garden." And so was John "hoeing his garden" until his sunset arrived.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Alberta Yaxley, and his first wife Susan.

He is survived by his dear wife Loreice and his four children and their spouses, Jane and Bill Swift of Oxford, Sharon and Dorman Smith of Westerville, John and Hillary Rinehardt of Mansfield and David and Cathy Rinehardt of Dublin.

He was so proud of all his grandchildren and one great grandchild on the Rinehardt side; Lindsay and Hillary Swift; Aaron, Rachel and Hannah Rinehardt; Jacqueline, Emily and Jacob Rinehardt and great granddaughter Makayla Soleil Swift. And he was equally proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren on the Seidner side; Jonathan and Justina Mckinney; Jessica, Thomas, Heather and Whitney Clever; Joshua and Kaitlyn Kochheiser; and great grandchildren Ashlyn, Parker, and Erica Clever.

John also leaves behind his devoted brother Bill Rinehardt and Bill's children Mary, Darlene, Theresa and Grace. He is survived by his nephew whom he held in such high regard, Tim Smith and his wife Sandy Smith and their four boys Tim, Brian, Matt and Eric and John's niece Deb Davies and her husband Bill and their children, Michael, Brandon and Chad.

Also surviving are Peachy's children and their spouses, Maria and Terry McKinney of South Lyon, Michigan, Stephen and Rona Clever of Galion, Kathleen and Steve Kochheiser of Brandon, Mississippi. Also surviving are Loreice Seidner Peachy's mother of Bellville, and her sisters, Shirley and Richard Bisel of Bellville, Beverley and Larry Russell of Lexington and their families.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, March 18, 2009 from 2-8 pm at the Diamond Street Home of the Wappner Funeral Directors at 98 So. Diamond St. Mansfield, OH 44902.

Funeral service will be officiated by Dr. Michael Stine at Clear Fork Alliance Church, 1008 State Route 97, Bellville on Thursday March 19, 2009 at 11 am. Burial will follow in Bellville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions may be made to the Richland County Democratic Party Building Fund through the funeral home.