Mary Kristina "Kris" Rinker, 72, of West Burlington, died Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born March 25, 1953, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Charles and Antoinnette Bentler Eggleston. She married George Rinker on August 21, 1981 in Burlington, and together they had four children before eventually separating.
She was a graduate of Burlington High School.
Kris began her career as a bookkeeper at Burlington Bank and Trust. After the birth of her son, Jacob, she chose to stay home and dedicate herself to care for him. Later, she returned to the workforce as an operator at Champion Spark Plug, where she worked for over 15 years before retiring. Kris had a passion for baking and spent 20 years running her own cake business, crafting everything from classic cakes to intricate creations.
In her younger years, she enjoyed bowling and was quite the enthusiast. In her downtime, she loved watching I Love Lucy and Gilmore Girls, two of her favorite shows. She also enjoyed car rides with the windows down, traveling to new places, and treating herself to an ice cream cone. Her vibrant spirit lit up every party and event she attended. But above all, her greatest joy came from raising her children and later helping care for her beloved grandchildren.
Survivors include three children, Matthew (Sophie) Rinker of Burlington, Lucas (Marie) Rinker of Sandusky, Ohio, and Sarah Rinker of Raleigh, N.C.; seven grandchildren, Elin, Aydan, Olivia, Jacob, Tristan, Lillian, and Emma; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Jacob Rinker; one granddaughter, Mia Rinker; two brothers, Tom Eggleston and Jerry Eggleston; and one sister, Judy Mosena.
Visitation will be from noon until 7 p.m., with the family to receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 21, 2025, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Kris Rinker will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Divine Mercy Parish-St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Fr. Jake Greiner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for Ertz Home at Hope Haven, a division of Imagine the Possibilities.