Norma "Irene" Rinehart

Norma Irene Rinehart passed away on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at the age of 89. Irene had been a residence of Sunrise Cottages in Rochester since 2004. Irene was born January 9, 1922 in Roane County, West Virginia to James William and Ora Elizabeth (Nida) Hammack. She married Orville JosephOJ Rinehart, Jr. on December 12, 1942 at the Methodist Church in Charleston, West Virginia. In 1954 OJ announced to Irene that they were moving to Gods Country - Rochester, MN. Irene worked for Daytons Department Store when it opened in Rochester for 34 years; working in various departments and management before retiring in 1988. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and belonged to the church circle. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and loved her garden. She belonged to the Eden Garden Club for many years and was past president of the club. Irene was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to all. Irene was preceded in death by her husband OJ on December 18, 2008, six days after celebrating their 66th wedding anniversary together at Sunrise Cottages. Also, preceding her in death were her parents, one sister and five brothers. Irene is survived by brothers Joe Allen (Audrey) Hammack of W. VA and Billy Hammack of Utah. Irene was the oldest of nine children. She is also survived by a daughter, Ann Elizabeth (Dale) Nelson of Lake City, MN and a son, Orville Joseph Joe Rinehart, III of Forest Lake, MN and daughter-in-law, Barbara Rinehart of Hugo, MN. Grandson Orville Joseph OJ Rinehart, IV, wife Amber and great grand-children Adelyn Rae, Leyton Joseph, and Hudson John Rinehart. Granddaughter, Nicole (Sean) Edlund and great-grandson Eli Mark Edlund. A memorial service is planned for Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place N.W., Rochester, MN 55901, (507)289-3600. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service at 11:00 a.m.