Stanley Royce Rinkel, 81, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026, in Hutchinson, Kansas. He was born July 18, 1945, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Edward Clark Rinkel and Mildred Alene Rinkel. He graduated from Pratt High School in 1964 and, upon graduation, chose to serve his country by joining the United States Navy.

One of Stan's proudest accomplishments was having the opportunity to serve aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. His time in the Navy reflected something that would become a defining characteristic throughout his life—his willingness to serve others and give of himself.

On November 14, 1970, Stan married Nellie May Rinkel. What began as a blind date became a beautiful 54-year marriage filled with love, family, adventure, and plenty of memories. Stan and Nellie enjoyed traveling together, often taking their motorcycles down the back roads of Colorado, Texas, and Missouri.

Family was at the center of Stan's life. Before having children of their own, Stan and Nellie opened their home and hearts through foster care. They were later blessed with raising four children. Stan was a quiet provider who rarely sought recognition for all he did. He worked long shifts and multiple jobs to make sure his family was cared for and that Nellie could stay home to raise their children. His commitment to his family was steady and unwavering.

Three words that best describe Stan are serving, commitment, and humor.

Serving was simply part of who he was. Stan believed in helping others, whether through his work, his church, his family, or a friend who needed a hand.

Commitment defined the way Stan lived his life. He was committed to his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his country, and his faith. When Stan gave you his word, you could count on him. He believed in showing up, working hard, and taking care of the people he loved.

Then there was his humor. Stan had a way of making people laugh and bringing a little light into almost any situation. His sense of humor was one of the things people will remember most about him—the stories, the quick comments, and the laughter that made being around him special.

Stan was a member of the Church of Christ and spent many years serving through various ministries, including bus program, Vacation Bible School, and WBS ministry. His faith was reflected in the way he cared for others.

Stan was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Clark Rinkel and Mildred Alene Rinkel; his brother, Richard (Andrea) Rinkel; his daughter, Vicky Rinkel; and his brother-in-law, Mike Suiter.

He is survived by his children, Chari Rinkel, Samuel Rinkel (Brittany), and Chris Rinkel, all of Hutchinson; his sister, LeeAnne (Phil) Ferry of Lawrence; his brother, Steven Rinkel (Phoebe) of Shawnee; grandchildren, Cohen Evans, Cooper Rinkel, Jude McCullers, and Adrian McCullers, all of Hutchinson; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends who were blessed to know him.

Stan leaves behind more than memories. He leaves behind a legacy of service, commitment, family, faith, and laughter. He taught those around him that you don't have to be the loudest person in the room to make a difference. Sometimes the greatest impact comes from quietly showing up, working hard, serving others, loving your family, and making people laugh along the way.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 15, 2026, with Military honors conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard, at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Stanley Rinkel Memorial Fund, which will benefit his grandchildren's education, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Checks may be made payable to Elliott Mortuary with Stanley Rinkel Memorial Fund noted in the memo.