"My father's cousin, my friend and we exchanged letters often many years ago, before Alzheimer's. Now my memories are my treasures. He lived a good life. "
In loving memory of
Keith N. Rinde
June 28, 1930 - August 25, 2022
Keith N. Rinde, 92, passed away on August 25, 2022 at Huger Mercy Living Center from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He and his wife, Irene T. Rinde, shared 50 happy years together until her passing January 22, 2011.
Keith was born in Grafton, ND on June 28, 1930 to Neil H. and Hilda M. (Wick) Rinde. He was the 4th of 7 children. His family farmed in the rural area of Park River, ND and they lived in a small log cabin without indoor plumbing until just before their youngest child was born. Keith's mother was a teacher prior to her marriage so education was very important to her. The Rinde children all attended elementary school in Park River and Keith graduated from Walsh County Agricultural High School there. In later years he attended Phoenix College, Grand Canyon College and ASU.
Keith was very proud to be a Army Sgt. Korean War Veteran and enjoyed being a member of the West Valley Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association of Arizona and the Glendale American Legion Post 29.
Keith was a man of many interests and talents. He worked in many different jobs in several states when he was younger and finally settled on being a heavy construction equipment operator in about 1957 in Phoenix. He was quite proud of the big caterpillar he drove while he pushed the earth around places like numerous Valley golf courses, including Maryvale Golf Course, Maryvale High School, and roads including the pass through the mountain on 7th Street.
Maryvale, particularly 53rd Ave & Osborn Rd and it's inhabitant's--you know who you are--in the Phoenix West Valley figures prominently in Keith's life because that's where he met the "Love of His Life", Irene T. Smith. Keith and his sister, Marilyn, happened to move in across the street from the the widow Irene and her 4 young children. The two youngest Smith children, Jimmy (7) and Debbie (4) quickly made friends with their new neighbors. Eventually Irene had to intervene because she was embarrassed that her kids were bothering them. Plus she was the secretary to the Pastor and Priests at the newly built St Vincent de Paul Church and she didn't want any embarrassing gossip going on! So history was made and Keith and Irene were married on July 01, 1960. Baby Cathy joined the family the next year.
After gaining and increasing a large family, Keith decided a less dangerous career would be in order and he joined State Farm Insurance Company as an Auto Field Claim Adjuster in 1962. After holding many different positions and several promotions in Arizona, Keith was promoted to the Auto General Claims Department in Bloomington, Illinois. After a few years, love of Arizona and family called him back and he retired as an Auto Claim Superintendent after 30 years of dedicated service in 1992.
Keith always had a "dream trip" he wanted to take "someday". His children always knew about that so they gave him and Irene an all expenses paid 2 week trip to that dream place, New Zealand, when he retired. It seems they loved that trip because he video taped it and he never stopped talking about it.
People remember Keith for his love, first and foremost, for family--kids, grandkids, great grandkids and nieces and nephews. He also loved his dear State Farm and St. Vincent de Paul friends and good neighbors, teasing everyone, reading, music, dancing, camping and meeting new people. Keith was quite opinionated and didn't mind sharing those opinions. He was a very friendly and devoted man and was recognized as "A Walking Encyclopedia" by grandsons Don and Keith.
This "Best Dad Ever" will be always loved and always missed.
Keith is predeceased by his beloved wife, his parents, all 6 brothers and sisters, sons James C. Smith, Donald E. Smith Sr., John Rinde Marnne, daughter Debra A. Romero and grandson Michael Keith Smith.
Keith is survived by his daughters Catherine M. (Rinde) Zobel and Janice I. (Phil) Starbuck. Grandchildren: Tracie Lynn Smith, Donald E. Smith Jr., Keith A. (Nicolle) Zobel, Natalie A. (Travis) Fern, Jeffrey P. (Kristin) Zobel, Patrick J. Smith, Tayler R. Smith, Nicholas S. Romero and Jessica Marnne.
Great Grandchildren: Ian Arnold, Chloe Creekmore, Sienna Creekmore, Austin Zobel, Avery Zobel, Julia Matherly, Paige Matherly, Bennett Fern, Claire Fern, Parker Zobel.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Huger Mercy Living Center.
Tributes
"Best Father in-law ever You will truly be missed"
"What a beautiful tribute to my Uncle Keith! I have so many great memories at the Rinde?s while we were growing up and after. He loved to tease me about being a ?drass eater? from the time I was little and also about where the rest of my car was (a Gremlin) when I got my first car. He was even one of the groomsmen in my wedding! As I continued to have babies, probably about the 3rd or 4th he would ask if I knew what caused that ?. Love you, Uncle Keith. Until we meet again. Donna Dailey Lacy"