Judith A. Rinnels

Judith Ann Rinnels, 72, of Clear Lake, died Thursday, July 13, 2017, at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, in Mason City, Iowa.

Per Judy’s wishes, a graveside service was held on Monday, July 17, 2017, at the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of North Iowa.

Judy was born on Oct. 29, 1944, the fourth child and first daughter of Fred and Ruth (Harlan) Fistler, in Mason City.  She grew up in Clear Lake, where she met and was later joined in marriage with John Edward Rinnels on Feb. 25, 1961.  Of this union two sons, Randy and Dennis, were born.

Judy worked as a cook, employed for several years at the Half Moon Inn.  She also worked at the Unisys plant, and was employed at the Oakwood Care Center before retiring.

After retiring, Judy was the hostess of her “Sunday Breakfast Club,” a family gathering of her siblings, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, as well as assorted relatives.  The club began as a coffee and donut event, but gradually became a brunch featuring Judy’s wonderful cooking, including her specialties: fried chicken, baked beans and potato salad, as well as homemade pies, chocolate chip cookies and marshmallow fudge.  Judy was devoted to her family, with her Sunday Club giving everyone a chance to catch up with each other on the latest news and share memories.

Judy is survived by her sister, Donna (friend, Bob Butner) Ginther, of Clear Lake; a brother, Ronald Fistler, of Mason City; sister-in-law, Cindy Fistler, of Ventura; son, Randy (Laura) Rinnels, of Ventura; granddaughter, Hilary (Seth) Zrostlik; and great-granddaughters, Brinlynn and Elyse, of Forest City, Iowa; grandson, Jacob (Holly) Rinnels; and great-grandson, Talan, of Apple Valley, Minn.; grandson, Nicholas Rinnels; and great-granddaughter, Reese, of Ventura; son, Dennis (Barbara) Rinnels, and granddaughter, Alyssa, of Clear Lake; granddaughter, Ashley (Michael) Augustine; and great-granddaughter, Baylor, with baby boy Augustine due August 2017, of Victor, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and two brothers, Gary and Richard.