Gary Ernest Rinholen

Gary Ernest Rinholen, 79 of Menomonie passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026, at The Neighbors of Dunn County surrounded by his family. 

He was born on July 24,1947 in Durand to Kenneth and Beatrice (Wilsey) Rinholen. He was the oldest of six children. He was raised on the family farm in the Peru Township. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and dedication-lessons that stayed with him throughout his life. His childhood on the farm helped shape his lifelong love of farming. 

He graduated from Durand High School in 1965. He went on to become a devoted husband, father, and hardworking man. He was married on May 15, 1976, to his beloved wife Mary Jo Koschak of Greenwood, Wisconsin. Together they built a life filled with love, family, hard work, and many cherished memories. They were blessed with two children, Kenneth John and Amy Jo, who were the pride and joy of his life. 

He worked for 20 years on the railroad. He worked for Milwaukee Road, which was later bought out by the Soo Line Railroad. He was a machine operator/ laborer during his career. After his railroad career, he followed his passion for farming and purchased a farm of his own in 1988 in the Peru Township next to the family farm. Farming was more than work to him-it was a way of life and something he truly loved. He later moved off the farm to Menomonie due to his health.

He especially enjoyed milking and working the land. Whether he was out in the fields, tending to the farm, or simply talking about farming, he was the happiest when he was on the farm doing what he loved. His knowledge and love for the farm will be remembered by all who knew him. 

In his free time, in his younger years Gary enjoyed bowling and hunting. He was a member of a bowling team and enjoyed the camaraderie and friendly competition that came with it. 

Gary was a supervisor and later the chairman for the Town of Peru. He also served on the board of directors for Dunn Electric. 

He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, perseverance, and family. His memory will live on in the hearts of his wife of 50 years, his two children, two grandchildren, family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Gary is survived by his wife Mary Jo Rinholen (Koschak); son, Kenneth Rinholen; daughter, Amy Winter (Justin); grandchildren, Calvin and Collins; his siblings Glenn Rinholen (Tammy); Roger Rinholen (Julie); JoAnn Bauer (Bob); Sharon Poeschel (Dan); and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Beatrice Rinholen, his brother Robert Rinholen, and his father and mother-in-law I.J and Frances Koschak. The family is deeply grateful for the staff at The Neighbors of Dunn County, Mayo Health System, and St. Croix Hospice; especially for the comfort and compassion shown to him in his final days. To Anna, (his niece) thank you for caring about and loving our dad. He loved you more than words can express.

The visitation for Gary will be held Friday, August 28, 2026, from 4 to 7 PM at Rhiel Funeral Home-Durand. Visitation continues Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 10 to 11 AM at Rock Creek Lutheran Church, N1101 810th St., Mondovi, WI 54755. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in Town of Peru Cemetery.