Vernon W. Rinne

Vernon W. Rinne, D.D.S., 95, passed away on April 23, 2021, surrounded by family. Born in Violet, NE to Fred W. Rinne Jr. and Regina Bartels Rinne on December 15, 1925, he was one of seven siblings (all deceased). Vernon grew up steeped in the family tradition of raising livestock and Nebraska farming. Although difficult, the family survived the Great Depression and subsequent Dust Bowl years.

Vernon left the family farm to serve in an Army medical unit in WWII, stationed north of the 38 ^th parallel in Korea. Following his service, Vernon pursued a degree in Dentistry from the UNMC College of Dentistry. He continued his Dental career in Lincoln where he established his home and began his family. Vernon enjoyed a 38-year career as a Professor of Dentistry and Department Chairman with the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry teaching a multitude of students the skills necessary to practice the art of dentistry. He was very proud and excited to tell anyone who listened that he taught his brother, son and wife dentistry. He was a lifelong Husker enthusiast and fan, attending decades of Husker football games and becoming a Husker volleyball season ticket holder. He passed his love of Husker Nation through many generations. Some never having lived in Nebraska.

Growing up in a farming community of southeastern Nebraska, Vernon developed a love for the land and all it provided. He loved to hunt and fish. He also felt strongly about protecting wildlife for future generations. This included hatching and raising quail and pheasant for release into the wild. He was an avid pigeon breeder/fancier. For years he would either show or judge pigeons at the state fair. He eventually settled on Homing pigeons. His amazing birds have been racing from Denver, Dallas or as far away as Seattle. If pigeon breeding/racing had something similar to the Academy Awards he would have received the Lifetime Achievement Award years ago. Over the years he was also known for his Peacocks. Throughout his life, Vernon stayed engaged with his farming roots. He continued to manage the family farms in Pawnee City and Steinauer with the work ethic instilled in him during his youth. Vernon received an Aksarben Heritage Farm Family award for the land being in the family for 150 years. He was extremely proud to be a Nebraska farmer.

He had a tremendous affection for all of the dogs in his life from childhood to present. It is comforting to know he is now surrounded by all of the family, friends and canine companions preceding his eternal passage.

Vernon is survived by his wife, MyHanh Phan-Rinne, DDS, their daughter, Taylor, and five children from his previous marriage to Millie Rinne, Dr. Mark and Rose Ann Rinne, Denise and Todd Way, Dr. Neal and Helen Rinne, Ann Rinne and Barbara Rinne. Vernon has 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to the People’s City Mission (Lincoln) or the Food Bank of Lincoln.

A private family graveside service was held at Salem Church, Steinauer, NE. Pallbearers included Josh Johnson, AJ Way, Chad, Neal, Mark and Trey Rinne. Honorary Pallbearers included Todd Way, Scott Urbanek and Taylor Schnack. A memorial service will be held in Lincoln at a later date.