Barbara Jean (Wolfe) Rink
Barbara Jean (Wolfe) Rink
Cedar Rapids
Barbara Jean (Wolfe) Rink, 82, of Cedar Rapids, IA, quietly passed away in her home on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in the presence of family. Visitation: 4:30-6:00 p.m. Monday, May 6, 2024 with Rosary at 4:00 p.m., Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2024, Saint Matthew Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Burial: Green Center Cemetery, Morley, IA.
In lieu of flowers Memorial gifts can be designated to Nursing at Mount Mercy University, online at mtmercy.edu/make-gift or by check to Development & Alumni Relations (1330 Elmhurst Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402). Please reference “In Memory of Barbara Rink.”
Barbara was born on May 16, 1941, to Chester and Genevieve Wolfe, in Marion, Iowa. She was the second oldest of four children, and was an athletic child. Barb loved to run, and always said, “I was fast.” After graduating from Regis High School in 1959, Barb attended Mount Mercy School of Nursing obtaining her RN in 1962. Her nursing career was varied and included ER work, surgical nursing, tending to inmates at the county jail, home health care, and even a nursing home. Barb met the love of her life, Joseph “Sluggo” Rink, on a blind date. They were married on May 9, 1964, in Marion at St. Joseph’s. Although they were married in Iowa, they planted their roots in Colorado. They had five children, and were blessed by seven grandchildren.
Barb taught her kids the importance of loving fiercely, forgiving freely, and working hard. Friday nights were for pizza (except during Lent), and Saturdays nights were for tacos. It is always okay to tell someone to go “suck a sock.” Barb was an avid golfer, bowler, and pickleball player and could, on occasion, be found enjoying a Happy Hour or two. Barb had a love for travel that took her many places.
Barb and Joseph were members of St. Joan of Arc parish in Arvada, CO, where all five of their children had their First Communions and Confirmations. After the passing of her husband, Barb became a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Arvada, CO.
In 2020 Barb decided to leave her home in Colorado, and move nearer her roots in a condo on Thompson Drive in Cedar Rapids. Barb joined the parish of St. Matthew’s and enjoyed participating in the mission of her new church, participating in everything from folding bulletins to delivering Communion to her fellow parishioners who were unable to leave their homes. Making new friends throughout the condo, she soon became a social center for all her lovely friends and neighbors. Barb, ever a basketball aficionado, became an avid supporter of the Iowa Women’s basketball team.
Barb is survived by her beloved children, Brian Rink of Las Vegas, Bradley Rink of Cedar Rapids, Joelle (Edward) RhodVin of Thornton, CO, Jennifer (Michael) Vincent of Lantana, TX, and Janna (Kent) Webster of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren, Maddie and Sam Rink, Alexander and Savannah RhodVin, Connor Vincent, and Bryttany and Aubrey Webster; siblings, Paulette (Jack) Schneider of Marion, and Louis Wolfe (Stella) of San Diego, California; step-sisters, Janet Dilorenzo of Arvada, Colorado, and Kay Sherman of San Diego; former sister-in-law, Joanne Wolfe of San Diego; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Barb leaves behind many friends and family in Denver, CO, where she resided for 55 years; and old and new friends and family in Cedar Rapids.
Barb was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years Joseph L. Rink, parents, sister Margaret Miles; sisters-in-law, Mary Terese Rink BVM, Helen Mangrum; and most recently by sister-in-law, Marge Petrzelka.
Please share your support and memories with Barb’s family on her Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.