June 2, 1936 – Jan. 10, 2025
Paul Rynearson, 88, longtime resident of Rochester, passed away peacefully in his sleep at 12:15 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at Avon Health and Rehabilitation Center in Avon, where he and Nancy had been residing since July 2022.
Paul was born on June 2, 1936, in Fulton County to the late Ellis and Lucille (Towne) Rynearson. Being raised on the family farm, he learned the value of hard work. He was a 1955 graduate of Richland Center High School. Paul served as a reservist with the United States Army from 1958-1963. He married the love of his life, Nancy J. Wink, on Sept. 1, 1957. They were devoted to each other for 67 years.
Paul retired from Dean Foods in 2000 after working 43 years in plant and trailer maintenance. He was a “home handyman” and enjoyed working in his garage, keeping his home and property looking good, auto body work and painting, riding bikes, traveling and sightseeing with family via camper. At the end of his workday, he was often found sleeping in his favorite recliner.
He was a former member of Whippoorwill Community Church and Antioch Baptist Church, Rochester. From 2001-2017, Paul and Nancy wintered in Alamo, Texas, at Bibleville Conference Grounds, where they volunteered in the concert and conference programs of Rio Grande Bible Ministries. They enjoyed meeting retirees from other states and participating in group events and outings. Paul especially enjoyed playing shuffleboard, horseshoes and table games.
Paul’s faith in Jesus Christ was paramount in his life and evident through his gentle and loving spirit and devotion to family and service to others. He was a man of few words. Paul’s hearing was negatively impacted by his many years of working around loud machinery; his family fondly teased him about his “selective” hearing.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy Rynearson, Avon; daughters, Susan (Brian) Gable, Rochester, Bonnie (Greg) Williamson, Anderson, S.C., Cyndi (Jeff) Kamp, Indianapolis; grandchildren, Anthony (Heather) Kamp, Greencastle, Stephanie (Matt) Elliott, Martinsville; great-granddaughters, Autumn and Chloe Elliott, Martinsville; brother, Larry (Carol) Rynearson, Cedar Lake; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Francis Rynearson and sisters Betty Steininger and Margaret Rynearson.
Private services will be held with burial in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester. Arrangements are being handled by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com.
