Andrea Kay "Andy" Rinkleff

Name of Deceased: Andrea Kay "Andy" Rinkleff

Date of Passing: March 11, 2022

Other information:

Andrea Kay Rinkleff, one of three daughters of Clayton and Irene Clara (Wedeking) Elliott, was born September 2, 1947, at Charles City, Iowa.  Andy, as she was known, grew up and attended school in Clarksville, IA, graduating from Clarksville High School.  After high school, Andy went on to attend niversity of Northern Iowa, receiving her bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in teaching.

On June 20, 1970, Andy was united in marriage to Herbert Rinkleff at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly, Iowa.  The couple would be blessed with two children:  Stuart Clayton and Colleen Irene.

Andy began her working career at Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs where she taught for several years.  She then stayed home, taking care of the kids and running the household for several years.  Andy and Herb then moved to Brownville, Nebraska and Andy began working on the Spirit of Brownville and the Belle of Brownville for Randall Smith.  In 1983, Andy began working for Southeast Nebraska Developmental Services in Auburn.  She worked for SENDS for 30 years before retiring in 2013.

Andy attended the Brownville Christian Church for many years.  She was a member of the Brownville Historical Society, the Brownville Village Board, and was an Emergency Responder for Brownville in her earlier years.  Andy also served on the volunteer committee at SENDS and was an ESL peer mentor through Southeast Community College.  When Andy found time for herself, she enjoyed spending it with family and friends.

After a decline in health, Andy moved to the Rolling Hills Ranch Assisted Living Facility in Omaha.  It is there that Andy passed away on Friday, March 11, 2022, having reached the age of 74 years, 6 months, and 9 days.  She was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister Carla, sister Colleen Conley, and niece Patricia Glew.

Those left to remember Andy’s caring ways include her husband Herbert of Brownville; son Stuart and wife Shelly of Sumter, SC; daughter Colleen and husband Patrick Nieland of Omaha; grandchildren Sean and Sydney Rinkleff, Emma and Luke Nieland; special cousins Stan and Mary Wedeking; special family member Junia Fields; other relatives and many friends.

A memorial service was held Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn, officiated by Rev. Mark Chitwood.  Janell Johnson played accompaniment for congregational hymns.  Serving as urn bearers were grandchildren Sean Rinkleff, Sydney Rinkleff, Emma Nieland, and Luke Nieland.

Honorary bearers were Kathy Gentert and Becky Gauchat.  Burial followed in Walnut Grove Cemetery at Brownville.

Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.

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