Carl Richard Rindfleisch

“If ever there comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.” – Winnie-the-Pooh

            Carl R. Rindfleisch, age 90, of Wild Rose, WI passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 20, with his wife by his side at Bethany Home, Waupaca, WI. He was born in Beloit, WI to John F. Rindfleisch on February 25, 1933. He went thru the Beloit School System, graduating in 1950. Carl served 4 years in the US Navy, with 3 ½ years abroad the newly commissioned USS LST Tioga County. He was a proud plank owner of that ship at the time of his discharge in 1956 with the rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer. He married Donna London on October 6, 1956, in Clinton, WI. Carl was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to deer hunt, fish, and took one elk hunting adventure. He looked forward to his ice fishing trip to Minnesota every March with Mike, Greg, and Roger, until his health prevented it. He especially loved teaching youngsters to respect and love nature’s great outdoors. He volunteered for 20 years to be a counselor for the Clinton Middle School 6th grade Camp Program at the Upham Woods, the Dells. Carl served on both the Clinton and Turtle Township Volunteer Fire Departments for several years. Also, for several years he volunteers at the Angel Museum in Beloit, WI. He lovingly had the patience to glue back together any broken or chipped Angels, plus whatever else they asked of him. Carl retired from the Wisconsin Power & Light Co after 36 years as an Operator working in both the Rock River and Blackhawk Plants. His working career began helping in the family business, Rindfleisch Greenhouse and Rindfleisch Floral Shop. He was delivering flowers at the age of 14, driving the business’s truck even before he had a driver’s license. His love of flowers and growing them remained throughout his lifetime. He was happiest when he had dirt under his fingernails. He shared his love for nature and the environment with both of his daughters plus the love of caring for rescue pets. He loved helping his children and grandchildren with major projects for school. He made suggestions, but always encouraged them to do the work. Carl was a proud follower of his grandson’s sports and his granddaughter’s competitive dancing, and attacked every event he possibly could. Carl was known by family, friends, and neighbors for his popcorn making skills. Everyone looked forward to a bag or two of his popcorn. He was a quiet and kind, gentle soul who left an impression on all who met him.

            Carl is survived by his wife of 67 years, Donna London Rindfleisch; daughter Cathi Sullivan and Trish (Mike) Kuchnl; grandchildren Noah Sullivan (Andrea Mirchef) and Sophie Sullivan, who he lovingly referred to as his “honeybunch” and Noah was “Big Guy” from the day they were born; he was a second father figure to several friends, Jennifer, Christine, Teri, Jeanne, Amy, Patty, and Jeff. Carl is further survived by 20 nieces and nephews, 49 grand nieces and nephews, more than 50 great-grand nieces and nephews, and 2 grand-grand-grand nieces and nephews: sister-in-law Gloria Rindfleisch, and many cousins and friends.

            Carl was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Carlene; 2 brothers John C.W. and Douglas P. Rindfleisch; sister Janet Jailiao, brother-in-law Ricardo; nephew Terry London, 2 sisters, 2 brothers-in-law, and several cousins.

            The family would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the entire staff of the 2nd floor at Bethany Home in Waupaca for the wonderful loving care they gave to Carl.

            Carl’s Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday June 29, 2024, at Jefferson Prairie Lutheran Church, 23184 Bergen Road, Poplar Grove, IL 61065. Full Military Rites at East Lawn Cemetery @ 1:30 p.m.. Carl will be laid to rest next to his young daughter Carlene Marie Rindfleisch. Memorials in Carl’s name may be given to the Red Mill Waterwheel Foundation. Mail to: The Red Mill, P.O. Box 47, Waupaca, WI 54987. Please mark: In Memory of Carl Rindfleisch. Carl was very interested in the restoration of the Wheel. The original wheel dates back to the mid-1800s.

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