Joseph Rimkus

Each new day in life is a blank journal page to be filled with whatever we choose by how we live our life. Some fill their pages with disjointed, random little phrases that never really take shape. Others, such as Joseph Rimkus, fill their pages with sentences that flow into paragraphs, creating a magnificent piece of work with a common theme that is woven throughout. Joe’s kind and tender heart was the common thread that was at the root of his every thought, word, and deed whether it was his love for his family, his friends, or his country. He was a man of great strength and integrity who put the needs of others ahead of his own with ease. Joe was blessed to share more than 65 years with the love of his life with whom he established the family who will be his lasting legacy.

The dawn of the 1920s marked the beginning of a decade that saw new experiences such as ballroom dancing, jazz music, and the peak of Broadway. The end of WWI brought a return to a “new normal” with a booming industry and an expanding business sector during this time as well. It was during this exciting time in America that Lithuanian immigrants Frank and Anna Rimkus were delighted with the birth of their son, Joseph, on January 11, 1920. Born in Burnham, Illinois, Joe was the fourth of six children in his family including sisters Ann, Mildred, Ida, Eleanor, and Josephine. Tragedy struck early in young Joe’s life with the death of his parents when he was just four years old. For a short time Joe and his sisters lived in an orphanage until a couple of their Lithuanian aunts took turns caring for them. He was raised in Dolton, Illinois, located just south of the city limits of Chicago. Joe attended local schools including Thornton Township High School.

Life would never be the same for Joe after attending a celebration dance for some nursing students one fateful evening. While there, he met the woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Alice Jack, and there was an immediate attraction between them that neither could deny. She and her twin sister had plans to join the Army but with Alice’s introduction to Joe, her plans changed. After falling hopelessly in love, the couple was married on April 11, 1942, in Ascension Parish in Harvey, Illinois.

As a new husband, Joe settled in to his work at a local foundry, Wyman-Gordon. These were the days of WWII and although he was deferred from the action in the war, Joe later decided to refuse his deferment. He served in the Army for three years altogether including two years in Africa where he served under General Patton in the 503rd Military Police Battalion, Advanced Party for the Third Army. Joe served both as a guard for General Patton and he also helped bring prisoners to the United States. Much of his work was top secret with the secrets remaining as such throughout the rest of his life. In recognition of his service, Joe received the Bronze Star, which is awarded for bravery or acts of merit, as well as seven citations for campaigns fought all over Europe.

While he was in the service, Joe and Alice were blessed with their firstborn, Marilyn. She was 17 months old before Joe was able to see and hold his beautiful baby girl. After the war ended, the couple was blessed with two additional children, Linda and Michael. They remained in Harvey, Illinois, where they raised their family. Joe primarily supported his family through his work at Wyman-Gordon, but he also did plumbing and heating on the side. He put his skills to good use single-handedly building their new family home. Joe and his family enjoyed spending time together on a regular basis. Precious memories were made on family picnics every Sunday in Marquette Park along Lake Michigan, and holidays were always special times in the Rimkus family as well. .

Although much of Joe’s attention was focused on his family, there were other important aspects of his life. His love for his country ran deep throughout his life as he made it a priority to attend his Army reunions each year from 1946 until 2000, and he was also involved at the VFW and with Democratic political campaigns. Joe always had a dog as his loyal companion, and enjoyed watching sports, especially the Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Bulls, and Notre Dame football, too. After retiring in 1982, Joe and his wife moved to Florida where they lived for 23 years. During his retirement years, he also had more time for traveling with his wife, reading, and being involved in local politics. As Joe and Alice grew older, they decided it was time to move closer to their family and on June 9, 2004, they moved to Portage, Michigan.

Joe Rimkus was a man who lived each day with purpose, a man who wanted to make his days count. He was a man of great strength, yet he had such kind and gentle ways that put others at ease. Joe was passionate and loyal to his family and friends, and his dedication to his country was simply a part of who he was. Joe shared an enduring love with the love of his life, creating a true reflection of what marriage is intended to be. He leaves behind a legacy of honor, integrity, and unconditional love that will surely withstand the test of time.

Joseph Rimkus died on May 10, 2010. Joe’s family includes his children, Marilyn (James) Vyverberg, Kalamazoo, MI, Linda (Jeffrey) Schultz, Deerfield, IL, Michael Rimkus, Berkly, CA; four grandchildren, Lt. Col. Bryan (Marsha) Vyverberg, Yakota AF Base, Japan, Paula (Heath) Bedford, West Olive, MI, Joshua Schultz, Chicago, IL, Jasmine Schultz, Deerfield, IL; five great-grandchildren, Houston, Hunter & Paris Bedford, Sarah & James Joseph Vyverberg; siblings, Ida Maysak, Fulton, MS. Joe was preceded in death by his wife Alice in 2009; siblings, Ann Storm, Mildred Pushchor, Eleanor Lekavich, and Josephine Rimkus. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Hospice Care of South West Michigan.