Carol Jean (Johnson) Rinne
Carol Jean (Johnson) Rinne
ESCANABA – Carol Jean (Johnson) Rinne, age 88, of Escanaba, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at UP Health System – Marquette.
Carol was born on September 26, 1937, in Republic, Michigan, to Esther Jennie and Waino Bernard Johnson. An only child, she grew up on the family farm surrounded by chickens, dairy cows, barn cats, and always a dog. Carol had a lifelong love for dogs and cows.
She graduated from Republic High School in 1955. Carol and her parents later moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she worked as a medical records transcriptionist at Milwaukee ChildrenÕs Hospital. The family eventually returned to the Republic farm, and Carol continued her work as a medical transcriptionist at Bell Memorial Hospital in Ishpeming.
On February 10, 1968, Carol married Paul I. Rinne, a math teacher living in Escanaba. Together they had two children, Heidi Esther Rinne and William John Rinne. In 1972, the family of four moved into the home where Carol remained for the rest of her life.
Carol is survived by her husband, Paul I. Rinne; her daughter, Heidi Rinne of Kalamazoo; her son, William Rinne of Escanaba; several cousins and her beloved dog, Chewey. She will also be deeply missed by all who knew her, including her childrenÕs childhood friends, many of whom lovingly referred to her as ÒMa Rinne,Ô as well as her dear neighbors and caregivers, Kathy and Ken Woodbury, Nicole C., and Mary Lou B.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers-in-laws William Rinne and John (Betty) Rinne; many beloved dogs; and many friends and relatives whom she missed dearly.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral service celebrating the life of Carol Rinne will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Daniel Van Beek officiating. A luncheon with CarolÕs favorite foods will be served following the funeral service in the Ludington Room located at the Anderson Funeral Home.
Carol will be laid to rest at Republic Cemetery in Republic, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer an expression of sympathy are encouraged to make a contribution in Carol’s memory to the Delta County Animal Shelter, 6975 County 426 M.5 Road, Escanaba, MI 49829, or online at deltaanimal.org/donate-2. The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the Rinne family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.