Harry L. Rinowski

Harry Rinowski, 87, Fargo, ND, died Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at Sanford Health, Fargo.

Harry Louis Rinowski was born January 9, 1926 in Greenbush, MN to Joseph and Frances (Johnson) Rinowski. He grew up and attended school in Greenbush until entering the US Navy in 1943. He proudly served during World War II as a “Tin Can Sailor” on the USS Twining and the USS Owen. After his honorable discharge in 1947, he returned to Thief River Falls, MN.

On May 29, 1947, he married Aileen H. Bizek in Thief River Falls. Harry began his career with the Soo Line Railroad there, and the family lived in many places along the railroad in western Minnesota and eastern North Dakota. He retired from the railroad in 1987 in Enderlin, ND. He began working as a cobbler while they lived in Lankin, ND, and operated Harry’s Cobbler Shop in Enderlin until they moved to West Fargo in 1996.

He loved the outdoors, spending time hunting, fishing, and golfing throughout his life. His grandchildren were always important to him, and he loved spending time with family. He was a gifted story-teller, sharing detailed stories of fishing excursions, hunting, and battle tales from the war. Harry had been a friend of Bill W. for 47 years.

He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him, and will always be remembered as a loving person, patient mentor, and caring friend.

Harry is survived by his wife of 66 years, Aileen; children, Cindy (Robert) Hebert, Fargo, ND; Harry “Tim” (Arlyss) Rinowski, Golden Valley, MN; Mike Rinowski, Coon Rapids, MN; Jan Rinowski, Tijeras, NM; Mary Mrozla, Fargo, ND; Becky (Jack) Rydell, Fargo, ND; Matt (Luann) Rinowski, Sand Springs, OK; Anthony (Krista) Rinowski, Elk River, MN; Amy (Jared) Gibbons, Moorhead, MN; grandchildren, Stacy, Shelly, Tammy, Ryan, Billy, Jess, Zack, Emily, Tom, Alex, Haley, Sam, Louis, Ben, Katie, Jason, Billie, Robert, Neal, Gabby, Sadie, Eric, Grace; great-grandchildren, Lyndsey, Eddie, Kendal, Emmett, Addyson, Lexi, Lucas, Hannah, Kennedy, Juilian, Sophie, Reese, Owen, Brady, Alyssa, Boston; great-great-grandchildren, Oryon, Kiana, Skylar; brother, Lambert (Marcy) Rinowski, Grand Rapids, MN; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant sons; and siblings, Joey, Don, Donna, Marie, and Mardette.

Harry's video tribute can be viewed at http://www.philpetersonproductions.com/hr-memorials.htm