Gene Rinkel

Gene Keith Rinkel, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, accomplished scholar and lifelong learner, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025 at the age of 96. He was born on February 27, 1929 in Farina, Illinois, the son of the late Walter and Jane Rinkel.

Gene was one of twelve children. He was preceded in death by Vera, Walter, Richard, Merle, Lyle, Virginia, Betty, Fenton and Eva. Marjorie and Ted survive. From this large family, his parents chose Gene to be the one to pursue a college education. He graduated from high school two years early and was valedictorian of his class. He entered Greenville College at the age of 16. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Greenville College with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. He also served as President of his class and was honored as a Who’s Who of Colleges and Universities.

Gene met Margaret Causey more than 80 years ago during their first day of college orientation at Greenville College. They dated throughout college. After graduation, Gene and Margaret married on August 4, 1950. That began a marriage of more than 75 years.

Gene served as a Free Methodist minister at churches in Athens, Georgia, Davenport, Iowa and Aurora, Illinois before attending the University of Illinois to pursue graduate degrees in Library Science and Philosophy. This led to a distinguished career at the University of Illinois first in the undergraduate library and then in the Rare Book Room. He served as Curator of Special Collections acquiring rare books from around the world for the library. He wrote a book about the drawings of famed author H. G. Wells. He retired at the age of 78, concluding decades of service to the academic community.

Gene was a faithful member of the Mahomet Lutheran Church. He also served on the Mahomet Library Board during the transition to the library’s new location. In his personal time, he enjoyed gardening, working with electronics and cooking.

He found immense joy in his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 75 years, Margaret; his son Stephen (Jill) Rinkel, and his daughter Karen (Doug) Smith. Gene was a devoted grandfather to Jeremy (Amanda) Smith, Khira Smith, Rachel Smith, Christa (Ryan) Jenkins, and Caitlin (Christopher) Ptasienski. His legacy continues through his seven great-grandchildren: Cullen, Campbell, Lila, Logan, Michael, Preston, and Laurel.

Gene’s life was a testament to the power of education, faith, and the enduring bond of family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Mahomet Chapel in Mahomet, IL. 5112 Churchill Rd. 61853 on Friday, December 19 at 11 am. Service to follow at noon. Burial will be at Steenbergen Cemetery in Mt. Pulaski, Illinois.

Please join Gene’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.