Dan Eric Rinker

Dan Eric Rinker, of Anderson, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at his residence.

Dan was born on April 7, 1948, in Anderson, Indiana, to Thurman and Alice (Watson) Rinker. He graduated from Anderson High School in 1966 and later graduated from Anderson College in 1972.

Dan served in the United States Army Reserve as a Specialist Four from 1969 until his discharge in 1974. He worked as the Director of Student Activities at Anderson College from 1973 to 1975 and also served as the Smith Hall Dorm Director during that time. He later retired from General Motors.

In July of 1971, Dan married Verna (Gullett) Rinker. Together, they shared a life filled with faith, family, service, travel, and many cherished memories.

Dan had a love for music, theater, and ministry. During his college years, he was involved in theater productions including The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof, and Arsenic and Old Lace, in which he performed with Verna. He and Verna also traveled to Japan through Anderson College's Student Summer Service program.

Dan had a servant's heart, especially when it came to children's ministry. He worked with Children's Church at the Church of the Brethren, South Meridian Church of God, Faith Assembly, and Wellspring. He also taught Anderson Weekday Religious Education for 10 years, directed several children's plays presented in churches, and was involved in puppet ministry with 13 puppeteers.

Dan was presently attending GT Church, also known as Glad Tidings Church, in Anderson.

He also enjoyed traveling. Some of his favorite places and trips included Traverse City, Michigan, which became a home away from home for 50 years, Hawaii, two trips to Japan, a Carnival cruise, and a New England bus trip.

Dan is survived by his wife, Verna Rinker; daughter, Rhema Lee Glover and her husband, Christopher; son, Levi Daniel Rinker and his partner, Sonia Caldwell; grandchildren, Alaina Joy Fridley and her husband, Mason, and Asher James Glover and his wife, Holly; brother, Phillip Rinker and his wife, Becky; brother-in-law, Charles; and several extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thurman and Alice Rinker; sisters, Dixie Pryor, and Cindy Rinker Brechbiel Foor.

The family will receive visitors from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at GT Church, 2604 North Scatterfield Road, Anderson, Indiana. A service celebrating Dan's life will begin at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor David Crawford.

Private cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Whetsel Funeral Service, 1503 South Park Avenue, Alexandria, Indiana. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dan's memory to GT Church, Legacy Fund, 2604 North Scatterfield Road, Anderson, Indiana.

Bud and Susan Whetsel, along with the entire Whetsel Funeral Service staff, are honored to care for the Rinker family during this time.