Dave “Rink” Rinkenberger
David Allen Rinkenberger, age 74 of Moorhead, Minnesota, formerly of Morris, MN, passed away Monday, July 5, 2026, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure.
Visitation for Dave Rinkenberger will be held Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Federated Church in Morris, MN.
Visitation will continue on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Federated Church in Morris, MN, with coffee and rolls from 9:30 a.m, until 11:00 a.m.
Memorial services for Dave “Rink” Rinkenberger will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Federated Church in Morris, MN, with Reverend Matt Orendorff officiating.
Inurnment with military honors will be in Calvary Cemetery in Morris, MN.
Dave was born in Morris, MN, to Frances and Luella (Heintzelman) Rinkenberger. He attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Morris Area High School with the Class of 1969. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1971 to 1975 before returning home to begin his career.
Dave worked in construction before joining Michaelson’s Tree Service. He later worked as a welder at Wilkens Industries and Superior Industries, retiring in 2025 after many years of hard work.
On June 29, 1991, Dave married Peggy Torkelson. Together they built a life centered on family, raising two sons, Travis and Jason. Dave was proud of the men they became and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. Being called “Papa Dave” by Miles (son of Travis and Sarah) was one of his greatest joys.
Dave enjoyed riding his Harley and was a proud member of the Morris Legion Riders. Some of his favorite days were the “date days” he and Peg shared together. They’d head to Forada for breakfast, stop at Menards, or make their way to Apol’s Harley-Davidson. It wasn’t about where they went. They simply enjoyed being together. Through 35 years of marriage, Dave and Peg believed they could do the hard things together.
Family meant everything to Dave. He loved spending time with his brother and sisters, his brothers- and sisters-in-law, his nieces and nephews, and many good friends. He will be remembered as an honest, dependable man who worked hard, loved his family deeply, and appreciated the simple things in life.
Dave is survived by his wife: Peggy; sons: Travis (Sarah) and Jason; grandson: Miles; brother: Ron Rinkenberger; sisters: Carol (Barry) Westhoff, Deb (David) Ziegelmann, and Wanda (Jim) Hart; along with his brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Frances and Luella Rinkenberger.
Memorials preferred to the Stevens County Veterans Office to assist in purchasing a new van.
Arrangements are with the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, MN.
