Marge Rinehart

Marge Rinehart, 94, of Knoxville, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026,
surrounded by her loving family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 11:00
a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Knoxville. A luncheon will follow the Mass for a
time of continued fellowship. Interment will take place at Graceland Cemetery.
A rosary will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at Pierschbacher
Funeral Home in Knoxville, followed by visitation from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Knoxville Rescue Unit or the Altar and
Rosary Society at St. Anthony Catholic Church.
Marge was born on August 25, 1932, on a farm near Trenton, Illinois, to Louis and
Catherine Kaiser. She graduated from St. Mary's Grade School. That Spring they
moved to New Baden, Illinois, where she attended New Baden High School. Two years
later, her family moved to Belleville, Illinois, where she would make many lifelong
memories and friendships.
While living in Belleville, Marge worked at St. Elizabeth's Hospital and as a restaurant
employee. She enjoyed the friendships she made along the way and always
appreciated the opportunity to spend time with others.
In August of 1953, Marge married Bob Rinehart, and that December they moved to
Iowa, making their home in Knoxville. Together they welcomed seven children: Allen,
John, Charles, Jerry, Mary Kay, Carol Ann, and Dan. Although their marriage later
ended in divorce, Marge's greatest pride and joy remained the family they had raised.
Marge was a woman who believed in doing things right. Always neatly dressed, well put
together, and proper in her appearance, she took pride in herself, her home, and her
family. Raising seven children was no small undertaking, but Marge ran a tight ship,
keeping everyone in line and making sure things were taken care of. She was
hardworking, organized, and determined, with a strong sense of responsibility and a
deep love for her children.
Her gardens were a special source of pride. Marge loved tending to her beautiful
flowers, but her gardening talents went well beyond the flower beds. She maintained a
large vegetable garden, growing food to help feed her seven children. Her yard and
gardens reflected the same care and attention she gave to everything she did. She
enjoyed being outdoors, working with her hands, and seeing the rewards of her efforts.
Throughout her life, Marge was a dedicated worker. She spent eleven and a half years
as a home health aide for Marion County Community Services, helping care for others.
She also worked in area care centers and spent time cleaning homes. Whether caring
for her own family or helping someone else, Marge was never one to shy away from
hard work.
Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life. Marge was an active member of St.
Anthony Catholic Church and its Altar and Rosary Society, faithfully assisting with
church activities and giving her time to the parish community.
As much as Marge enjoyed keeping busy, she also knew how to enjoy life. She loved
gatherings, visiting with friends, and taking part in activities that brought people
together. She treasured the friendships she made throughout the years and the many
memories they shared. Her family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought her
tremendous happiness, and she always enjoyed opportunities to be together.
Marge lived a full life, one built on faith, family, hard work, friendship, and the simple
joys of everyday living. Perhaps the best way to remember her is through the words she
chose herself when reflecting on her life and the people who filled it:
“What fun we had!”
Preceding Marge in death were her parents, Louis and Catherine Kaiser; infant brother,
Paul Kaiser; and grandson, Ben Hixenbaugh.
Marge will be greatly missed by her seven children: Allen Rinehart, John (Lori) Rinehart,
Charles Rinehart, Jerry (Diane Richards) Rinehart, Mary Kay (Don) Hixenbaugh, Carol
Ann (Sid) Albaugh, and Dan Rinehart; 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and
one great-great-grandson. She is also survived by her sisters, Agnes (Don) Gebhart
and Rose (Terry) Rittmeyer; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.