Robert E Rinard Jr.

Robert “Rob” Earl Rinard Jr was welcomed into Heaven on April 22, 2025. He was born May 7, 1949 in Moscow, Idaho to Robert Earl and JoAnna (Hindle) Rinard. He joined Sandi, his older sister, and later a younger brother, Christopher Roy. The family moved to Boise where his parents later divorced.

Rob was blessed when his mom married Richard Cade Mustain who adopted all three children. He was raised in Salt Lake City and attended schools there. Graduating from West High School in 1967. All during high school he was involved in ROTC. He attended Utah State University in Logan for 1 year. It was there that he met his 1st wife, Cathy Wagstaff.

Rob joined the Army in 1969 and they were stationed in Munich, Germany. They traveled all over Europe on weekends. They returned to the States in 1972 settling in California where Rob worked for Chevron. They were blessed by a son, Brian in 1974 and a son, James in 1978. He and Cathy later divorced.

Rob joined the LA County Sheriff’s Department in 1975. He later worked at the Bryant Women’s Prison for a time and then as a bailiff in the LA Courts. During this time he used his GI Bill to earn his BS in Criminal Justice at California University, Los Angeles, CA.

Rob was not a regular church attender, but in 1976 he attended a church where the pastor gave an Altar Call. Compelled by God, Rob went forward and gave his life to Jesus.

He met and married Jill Barcalow. They moved to Peru and helped build a Bible College with the Assembly of God church. When they returned to the States Rob worked in various fields, including; truck driving, garage door installation, construction, a print shop and managing a “De Weiner Schnitzel”. They were blessed with son, Aaron.

An opportunity opened in Washington. Rob interviewed with the correctional system there and got a job in Monroe and later transferred to Gig Harbor to work in the women’s prison to be closer to home. It was during that time that their son, Nathan, was born. Their marriage later dissolved.

Rob became a sergeant at the Washington Department of Corrections in Shelton, WA. While serving there he met Julianne. After a lengthy engagement they married on Rathdrum Mountain in North Idaho on December 30, 1994 in the company of family and friends.

Rob moved the family to Idaho in 1998 and transferred to the Airway Heights Corrections as a counselor. Later becoming a supervisory counselor. He retired from there, after 31 years of state service, in April 2020. He became Julianne’s devoted caregiver following her covid-19 hospitalization and continued complications.

Rob and Julianne, with hearts full of love, served as foster parents for over 20 years. During that time they were able to help parent over 400 children. Their love for God was evident as they also served in several churches. Rob was known as the Doughnut Man at True North. Later serving at Real Life Ministries on the Prayer Team, led Life Groups and served on the International Discipleship Team (missions).

Rob had a servant’s heart. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, love, tenderness, and transparency. He loved to travel including 2 trips to Australia, camp, ride motorcycles, hunt, spend time with family, eat black licorice and wear matching t-shirts with his beloved Julianne.

He is survived by his loving wife Julianne, siblings Sandi Hunter (Chris), Christopher Mustain (Pam), Jerry Rinard (Julie), Sharon Gehrke (Bud), Debbie Krueger (Delmar), Carla Wilson (Mark), Debbie Kendall (Terry), Jeannie Rinard and “his, hers & ours” children, numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren and many family friends.

Rob was predeceased by both of his parents, both step dads and his baby sister, Brealynn Rinard. There is a great rejoicing in heaven as they are reunited and he is whistling with the angel choir.

Please join us to celebrate Rob’s life at Real Life Ministries, 1860 N Cecil, Post Falls, Idaho on June 14th at 1:00 PM in the Pavilion. Following the service, we will continue the celebration with a potluck. (Meat and beverages will be provided.)