Herbert Franz Rinkleff

 Herbert Franz Rinkleff, one of seven children of Karl Wilhelm and Helena (Brandt) Rinkleff, was born July 27, 1946, in Opladen, Germany. In his early childhood, Herbert’s family moved to the United States, and he celebrated his 7th birthday on the Atlantic Ocean during their journey. They settled in Waterloo, Iowa, where Herb attended school, graduating from Columbus High School in Waterloo. 

 On June 20, 1970, Herb was united in marriage to Andrea Kay Elliott at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly, Iowa. Together, they welcomed two children into their lives: a son, Stuart Clayton, and a daughter, Colleen Irene. Herb and Andy moved to Brownville, Nebraska to raise their family. 

 When Herb first moved to Brownville, he began working for the Smith family. Herb then began working as a valve tech in the nuclear industry, working for several different companies before retiring. 

 Active in his community, Herb served on the Brownville Volunteer Fire Department, the Brownville Board of Education, and was a member of the Brownville Historical Society. He dedicated much of his time to volunteering. Above all, Herb cherished his role as a grandfather and valued spending time with his family. 

 With declining health, Herb and Andy moved to an assisted living facility in Omaha. Following Andy’s passing in 2022, Herb moved to Falls City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and it is there that he passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, having reached the age of 78 years, 6 months, and 8 days. Besides his wife Andy, Herb was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Hermann, Karl, and Franz. 

 Those left to mourn his passing include his son and daughter-in-law Stuart and Shelly Rinkleff of Sumter, SC; daughter and son-in-law Colleen and Patrick Nieland of Omaha; grandchildren Sean Rinkleff, Sydney Rinkleff, Emma Nieland, Luke Nieland; sisters and brother-in-law Christel Rinkleff of Henrietta, NY, AnnEliese and Leif Nulsen of Indianapolis, IN; brother and sisters-in-law Paul and Shelby Rinkleff of Lawrenceburg, TN, Rodna Rinkleff of Minnetonka, MN, Mary Jane Rinkleff of Fredericksburg, IA, Sue Rinkleff of Waterloo, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

 A graveside memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at Walnut Grove Cemetery at Brownville. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5:00 to 7:00. 

Memorials are suggested to Brownville Historical Society or Brownville Christian Church.