Mary Rinn

Mary Ann Rinn went peacefully to her heavenly home on April 11, 2024, with her sister, Paulette, at her side. 

Mary was born October 16, 1957, in Winona, to Richard and Alpha (Peterson) Rinn. She grew up on the family farm by Wyattville, moved to Lewiston in 1978, and she graduated from Lewiston High School in 1979.  Mary moved to Winona as a resident at Home and Communtiy Options and became part of the group home family. Mary enjoyed working at ORC for 30 years, retiring in 2023.

Mary was active in Special Olympics, where she won medals in bowling, swimming, track and field, and she liked her summer outings at Camp Winnebago. Mary enjoyed performing for many years as different characters in the Home and Community Options plays.

Mary was a huge Elvis fan, and she liked to watch movies and game shows, and she also had fun shopping, traveling and eating out. Mary made sure to let everyone know that her favorite foods were chicken, pizza, Reese’s candy bars and a Mountain Dew. Mary was the light of any family gathering and was always entertaining with her own unique little sayings and a special wink. She made friends very easily and touched so many lives, and no matter where Mary went, someone always seemed to know her.

Mary's school sweetheart and lifelong love was Jerry Hammel. They enjoyed spending time together, holding hands, dancing, and watching a movie or a Vikings game. Jerry passed away in 2018, leaving her heartbroken.

Mary is survived by siblings: JoAnn Franzen, Janice Dornfeld, Daniel (Diane) Rinn, and Paulette (Duane) Kinneberg; in-laws: Shirley Rinn and David Meyer; Goddaughter: Sarah Kinneberg; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents: Richard and Alpha; siblings: Lawrence (Caroline) Rinn, Allen (Barbara) Rinn, Gerry Rinn, Susan Rinn, and Cheryl Curran/Meyer; and in-laws: Robert Franzen and Robert Dornfeld.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of the HCO Group Home, Benedictine Center, and Winona Hospice, for the great care given to Mary.

Visitation will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston, MN, on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 10 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon. The Reverend Chinnappa Pothireddy will officiate.  Mary will be laid to rest in the St. Rose of Lima Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Mary’s nephews: Clay Rinn, Richard Rinn, Randy Franzen, Tom Meier, Curt Mundt, and Craig Kinneberg.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Mary’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home of Winona is assisting the family with arrangements.