Robert N. Rinde

Robert N. Rinde, 87, of Grand Forks, ND and formerly of St. Thomas, ND passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at his home in Parkwood Place under the care of hospice. A memorial service will be held Monday, May 6, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Thomas United Methodist Church, St. Thomas, ND. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 5th from 5:00 p.m. t0 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the church. Burial will be held in the St. Thomas City Cemetery.
Robert was born October 15, 1925, in Grafton, ND to Nic and Ethel (Miller) Rinde. His childhood years were spent in Hoople, ND, where he graduated in 1943. During his high school years, he was a state hurdle champion and captain of the All-Tournament Team at the ND State Class B Tournament.
During World War II, Robert served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Jenkins DD447. He returned to North Dakota, attended North Dakota Agricultural College in Fargo for two years, and began farming in Pembina County. Serving his country in the U.S. Navy and being a farmer were things he was very proud of. He was also an aviation enthusiast.
On November 6, 1949, Robert married Betty Bestland at the Federated Church in Grafton. They lived and farmed in rural St. Thomas, where they raised their four daughters.
Robert served on the United Methodist Church Board, Elora Townhship Board, and the American Crystal Sugar Board of Directors for eight years. As an active member of the American Legion, he served as Post Commander and District Commander.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Betty; daughters: Ruth Lawrence, Eagan, MN, Susan Rinde, Shawnee, KS, Elizabeth (Roger) Thompson, Larimore, ND, Patricia Rinde, Jamestown, ND; grandchildren: Emily (Scott Carlson) Lawrence, Minneapolis, MN, Anne Lawrence, Grand Forks, Nicholas (Erica) Delorme, Peculiar, MO, Elizabeth Delorme, Portland, OR, Andrew (Jennifer) Thompson, Larimore, James Thompson, St. Thomas; great-grandchildren: Molly and Violet Thompson, Liam Delorme, and Charlotte and Colin Carlson; sisters: Joyce Lowe, Grafton and Marge Haggart, Fargo, ND; brother, James (Shirley) Rinde, Fargo; and his nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Dorothy Zimmerman; sons-in-law: Jerry Lawrence and Ron Delorme.
Clergy, Rev. Lee Gale; Music: Sue Green, Pianist, Dana Tisdale, Soloist, and Cathy Sando, Accompanist; Military Rites: Ottum-Ball Post #168, St. Thomas American Legion and the North Dakota National Guard Funeral Honor Guard.