John Rinker
John Rinker, 93, a Korean War Veteran from Syracuse, passed away at his home on April 28, 2025. He was born on August 8, 1931 to Lossie & Conza Mae (Persiful) Rinker. On May 19, 1952 he married Beverly Pearce, who preceded him in death in 2007.
In the 1930;s 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 & 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 boat building industry.
John is survived by his 4 daughters Lori Rinker of Sarasota, Florida, Lea Rinker of Nashville, Tennessee, Resia Rinker (Justin) of Syracuse, Indiana; and Raeni Dumford (Chris) of Nashville, Tennessee, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren, and a brother, Jerry Rinker (Kit) of Houston, Texas. John was preceded in death by 3 sisters, JoAnn Exner, Jackie Lahne, Barbara Markley, and 2 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, 2025 from 5:00-9:00pm at the Owl’s Nest in North Webster, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital or The Rose Home.
“Heroes are forgotten, Legends live forever.”