In Loving Memory of Ernst L. Rinn Jr.
Ernst L. Rinn passed away April 11, 2014. Ernst was a resident of Colorado Springs since 1981, formerly he was a world traveler with the United States Army doing his best for God and country for over 22 years, and retiring From the United States Postal service after over 20 years.
Ernst was born on August 9, 1940 to Ernst Ludwig Rinn-Muller and Irvina Matthews in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania.
Ernst was married to his first wife Patsy Anne Brou in November of 1959 in Louisiana; they were married for 28 years and had 3 children together, 6 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Patsy was laid to rest in 1987.
Ernie married again to Imelda Brokaw in 1994. They were married until his death, sharing 21 years together.
Ernie was fond of many hobbies. He liked to stay busy, but his most favorite was traveling in his beloved RV with his wife, Imelda, and his pets across the country visiting family and making friends wherever he went. Many people didn’t realize Ernie was from Pennsylvania because he had a German father, our mother was a Cajun woman from Avoyelles parish in Louisiana, and his wife, Imelda, is from Cork, Ireland. So Ernie spoke German and did sign language with a southern drawl, wore Celtic clothing with a Saints hat, and said he was from New Orleans. But that was “POP”, he was one of a kind and loved the world he lived in wherever he was on his travels. We often joked as a family that he was from wherever he visited last. He had a large extended family of 5 brothers and sisters which grew larger around 1980 after connecting with his 3 German siblings while stationed overseas. He loved all his brothers and sisters very much and staying in touch with them was one of the great joys of his life. Ernie was Catholic and loved the Lord; he believed he would see my mother again one day in Heaven.
Ernst is survived by his loving wife, Imelda; his two daughters: Sharon Kay Fabrizius, Pamela Sue McIlvain; and his son, Scott A. Rinn; his 5 step-children; 13 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. Ernie loved his blended family with all his heart.
The funeral and services are being held at Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home, 1730 East Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910, the cross street is Union Blvd. right off of I-25 Limon exit.
The open viewing for the public is Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 9:00 a.m., with the service being held right after the public viewing at 10:00 a.m. The blessing will be followed by a military salute and a bagpipe serenade.
The funeral home has offered the use of their reception hall as a place to gather to remember him and share over coffee if we decide to use it, the Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center, 975 S. Union Blvd., but after the services have concluded, we will also be gathering at Pamela’s home for the reception following as a good old fashioned family wake.