Michael F. “Mike” Rinker, 63, formerly of Mount Union, Franklin County, most recently of 312 Fairview Ave., Butler, died unexpectedly Sunday at his home. He had been in failing health.

Mr. Rinker was born Sept. 24, 1948, in Huntingdon, Huntingdon County, the son of Helen (Kurey) Rinker of Mount Union and the late Harry M. “Pooch” Rinker.

Along with his mother, he is survived by a sister, Debra A. Rinker of Enola, Cumberland County; and a number of nieces, nephews, uncles and aunts.

Mr. Rinker was employed by Mekis Contruction of Butler for 37Z\x years as a civil engineer.

He graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1966 at Mount Union High School and also graduated from Penn State University in 1970, where he was an Evan Pugh Scholar for 1969 and 1970 and earned the Sparks Medal for Outstanding Scholarship.

He was a member of the St. Catherine Catholic Church, Mount Union. Mr. Rinker also was a member of the Herman Roman Catholic Men's Club.

He enjoyed hunting, golf, fishing, reading and traveling, especially to Penn State football games. He also truly appreciated the friendships he had with his co-workers over the years.

<B>RINKER</B> — A funeral Mass for Michael F. “Mike” Rinker, who died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the St. Catherine Roman Catholic Church, Mount Union, with Father George Koharchik officiating. Interment will be in the St. Catherine Catholic Cemetery, Shirleysburg, Huntingdon County. The family will receive friends at the <B>Robert D. Heath Funeral Home</B>, Mount Union, from 7 to 8 p.m. today.There will be a vigil at 7:45 p.m. today at the funeral home.Memorials may be made to the St. Catherine Church, 205 W. Market St., Mount Union, PA 17066 or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA., 22312.