JEFF RINKUS

Johnston City–Jeff Rinkus 45, of Johnston City, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2020 at 10:02 A.M. at the St. Louis University Hospital.

Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday January 26, 2020 at Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City with Fr. Brian Barker officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home.

Jeff was born on September 18, 1974 in Chicago the son of Bob and Nancy (Kopko) Rinkus. He married Janet (Simmons-Harvel) on May 29, 2010 in Johnston City. She survives.

Jeff was a kind gentle soul who loved his family and friends. He never met a stranger. Everyone who met him loved him. He enjoyed being outdoors with Chevy by his side. His interests were listening to music, shooting pool, hunting, fishing, and building things with his hands. He was a talented craftsman. He was also an avid sky diver with 37 jumps under his belt.

He is survived by his children, Stephanie Wilkins and husband John and Erin Julian; grandchildren, Hailey Bryan and Micah Julian; his father; sisters, Renee Martinez and Laura Rinkus; sister-in-law, Karen Lenzini; brother-in-law, James Simmons; mother-in-law, Dolores Bates; nephew, Joshua Seerup-Rinkus; nieces, Mackenzie Martinez, Ripley, Riley, and Reece Friberg; his best friend, Anthony Vigliano; special friend and aide, Peggy Husband; his constant companion, his beagle, Chevy; 2 aunts; 1 uncle; several cousins; and may many friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother; grandson; grandparents; an aunt; an uncle; cousin; great-nephew; and his beloved dog, Hunter.

Jeff gave the gift of life, he was an organ donor.