Neil R. Rine, 88, of Springfield, passed away on October 22, 2021 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born on October 6, 1933 to Clem and Thelma Rine in Ravenna, Ohio. He graduated from Southeast High School in Edinburg, Ohio. He then attended Kent State University in Kent, Ohio before being drafted to the Korean War. He served as a personnel specialist in the 276th Field Artillery Batallion, Fort Knox, KY.
After his Military service he graduated from Illinois State University.
Neil’s work career was in the insurance industry where he worked primarily in the claims department doing both on-site investigation, appraisal and in-house supervision. He retired as the Auto Liability Manager for the State of Illinois. Neil also served as a consultant instructor for the Dale Carnegie Courses for twenty-six years and was awarded Instructor of the Year on six different occasions.
Mr. Rine married Anna Marie “Ann” Morlee in 2002 and she survives. He is also survived by three children: Tom Rine of St. Charles, MO., Claude (Gloria) Rine of Chesapeake, VA., and Will (Ann) Rine of Pittsfield, one brother Elwood “Woody” (Karen) Rine of Ravenna, OH., and three step-children: Matt (Dennise) Morlee and Michelle (Josh) Pryer both of Springfield and Melissa (Kevin) LaBrecque of North Las Vegas, NV.
Neil had many interests including roller blading that he quit at age 75. He was an avid boater and was past president of the Springfield Ski and Boat Club. He enjoyed building and flying remote controlled airplanes and was the past president of the Springfield Sunday Fliers Radio Controlled Air Plane Club. He enjoyed bicycling, motorcycling and dancing but only quit because of health issues. He was fortunate to have been able to travel extensively with his wife taking many cruises. Neil loved being a Shriner and was very active in the Shrine of North America. He held numerous positions at ANSAR Shrine over his forty years of involvement and was the current chaplain and a member of Springfield Court #20 ROJ. One of Neil’s last big challenges came at age 83 when he began to learn to play the fabulous Lowrey organ currently known as a Virtual Orchestra. He was fortunate to have one of the beautiful instruments in his home where he and his wife practiced and played. He loved most forms of music and was most grateful to Lacefield Music of St. Louis for their instruction, inspiration and motivation in learning to play and their assistance in obtaining such a wonderful instrument. Neil was of the Christian faith.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 Koke Mill Road. St. Paul’s Lodge #500 will conduct masonic services at 11:45 am. The family will greet friends from 10:00 am until the time of masonic service Saturday at Bisch West. Cremation rites will be accorded and a private burial will take place at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children and please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.
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