Obituary: Robert F. "Bob" Rinehart

Robert F. "Bob" Rinehart of Kremlin, 93, passed away due to natural causes Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, at Big Sandy Medical Center.

A viewing will be held Jan. 31, 2017, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. At his request, a graveside service with military honors will be held Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Highland Cemetery in Havre. A fellowship luncheon will be held immediately following the service at the First Lutheran Church in Havre.

Memorials may be made in Robert's name to the Hill County 4-H Chuckwagon Fund, the Big Sandy Medical Center or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please visit Robert's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his loved ones at http://www.hollandbonine.com.

Bob was born May 2, 1923, to Robert and Anna Rinehart in Pueblo, Colorado. His mom passed away when Bob was 2 years of age. Bob's dad's job on the railroad brought the family to Havre, where Bob attended elementary school. When he was 11, his dad passed away, so Bob moved to Kremlin to be with his sister and continue his education. One day, Ralph Johnson came to town and asked Bob if he would like to come work on his farm. Bob then went to work on the farm with the clothes on his back, a bicycle and a dollar and twenty-seven cents in his pocket.

After graduation from Kremlin high school, he went to Helena for welding certification and later worked as an electric arc welder building dry docks in Everett, Washintong. In 1943, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served during WWII in the Italian campaign, E Company of the 361st Infantry Regiment as a rifleman. He received a Purple Heart, a Campaign Medal with Three Bronze Clusters, a Good Conduct Medal and WWII Victory Medal.

Upon completing his service, he returned to work for the Johnson family. There he farmed and prospered while also building a relationship with Kathryn, the Johnson's only daughter. Kathryn and Bob were married Feb. 10, 1963, in the Kremlin Lutheran Church. Over the years, the couple worked on the farm, growing wheat and raising cattle. They also contributed to their community, especially by supporting the area youth. The Rinehart's were the kind of folks who could always be counted on when one needed a friend.

In the winters, Bob would spend hours tinkering on motors, and old cars and tractors in his shop. He enjoyed his trips to town, where no one was a stranger and everyone was ensured a good laugh. Most can probably remember a time Bob rattled off a one-liner in his distinctive tone.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Kathryn; his parents; his sister; and a niece.

He is survived by all those whose lives he touched.