Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE – John Rinker, 93, a Korean War veteran from Syracuse, passed away at his home on April 28, 2025.
He was born on Aug. 8, 1931, to Lossie and Conza Mae Persiful Rinker. On May 19, 1952, he married Beverly Pearce, who preceded him in death in 2007.
In the 1930s, Lossie “L.E.” Rinker began building racing and fishing boats in the Midwest. Continuing in the spirit of his father’s craftsmanship, John and Jan Rinker founded the Rinker Boat Company in 1945. During the 1950s, John shifted the company focus to fiberglass boats. He implemented several innovations to boating design like multiple gelcoat colors and back-to-back seating. In the 1970s, due to the gasoline crisis, the company switched gears and built sail boats. He introduced boats up to 20 feet in length and with trio-hull designs. He also expanded the business into the European market. The 1980s brought about the iconic Fiesta Vee Cruisers and the Captiva Runabouts. The 1990s saw the Rinker brand continue being the face of innovation with an all fiberglass tri-hull pontoon labeled “Flotillas” along with other popular express cruisers.
John and Beverly sold the Rinker Boat Company in 2005 after 60 years of working in the business, but his legacy remained with the Rinker name. John’s love of boat building continued with the famous Craft brand all the way up to his death. He was truly a pioneer in the boat building industry.
John is survived by his four daughters: Lori Rinker, of Sarasota, Fla.; Lea Rinker, of Nashville, Tenn.; Resia Rinker (Justin), of Syracuse; and Raeni Dumford (Chris), of Nashville, Tenn.; six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren; and a brother, Jerry Rinker (Kit), of Houston, Texas. John was preceded in death by three sisters: JoAnn Exner, Jackie Lahne, Barbara Markley; and two brothers, Jan Rinker and Jim Rinker.
A private interment will be held at the Syracuse Cemetery, and a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Owl’s Nest in North Webster.
Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital or The Rose Home. Eastlund Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
“Heroes are forgotten, Legends live forever.”
