Miriam Kareen Rinderknecht

I was fortunate to meet Mim 30 years ago when I had Chad in my kindergarten class. She was the ultimate "room mom" and organized parties and was always there when we needed anything! Through those years, I always loved seeing her and whenever I see vibrant flowers I think of her, I and always will. Her legacy will live on through her son, Chad, she sure loved you and is now your guardian angel with Tiffany. XOXO

Despite being the only mother I met of my college friends, Mim had the spirit and liveliness of a dozen. With a smile from cheek to cheek, she made it a point to tell me how thankful she was that I was friends with Chad. A few days after my car accident, she drove down to the dormitories to check in and make sure that I was alright. Constantly encouraging, always believing in your ability to succeed, and searching for the good in all things, are just a few of the qualities that I'll always remember.

My sister Mim's self-giving life-style was admirable from a distance, but up close was always getting her into trouble, with her neighbors, with her marriage, then after her divorce with her mortgage at the bank, then with the law when she didn't discriminate with her renters. She showed love in concrete ways with the homeless, druggies, poor indigenous kids in Mexico who referred to her as their godmother, with alcoholics, with missionariy relatives in faraway Brazil. She lived, as Richard Rohr calls it, just inside the margin. She demonstrated how even a drop-dead beauty, living in an upscale American neighborhood can follow thw lowly Jesus. She risked misunderstanding by her own family, as her Lord did. She was, as Martin Luther said, a "little Christ" among us. As her oldest brother, I was proud to share family leadership with her, and privileged to claim her as a key inspiration in my life and work. Ren Svanoe

Mim, you will be missed by Chad, Ron and all those who knew your lovely smile and beautiful enthusiasm for life and for all the people who came into your life. I met you when you first entered Ron's life and I enjoyed witnessing the wedding, the birth of Chad and the arrival of Tiffany. Your zest for life was second to none and your love of family, the same. Each time we saw each other, and there were many, you were always genuinely interested in what was happening in my life and my well being. I know that you did the same with all who came into your life and that selfless interest in others defined you. You have left for us so many memories that we will never run out. Thank you for the love that you gave to family and all others. Duane Grummer

Mim was the most amazing sister to her 7 siblings - 4 brothers - Rennard, Alfred, Victor, and Luther PLUS 3 sisters - Rachel, Naomi and Debbie. Mim enjoyed her family and celebrated everyone’s birthday, wedding, holiday events with gusto! She was always generous, fun, interested in other’s opinions, and inspirational. She also was the family Photographer and enjoyed sharing the memories and photos whenever she could. I was always so proud of my sister Mim. She was super talented, gifted in so many ways, and accomplished so much along her journey. She graduated from Augsburg College with a degree in Education and became one of the best music teachers ever! At one of her Elementary school positions, she literally taught 2000 young kids to sing in harmony, play the Ukalale and other instruments, act and perform in large musical productions where every child was included and involved. The kids adored her and so did the whole community. Mim also started and owned one of the first health food stores in America - called “The Health Nut” and shared her nutritional knowledge with everyone - especially her family. In her early years, she was a stunningly beautiful fashion model in Hollywood and then turned to a singing side-career in a jazz trio. Watching her dazzle the audience was so fun. Later on she became a flight attendant and traveled the world enjoying her hostess job in the air for the lucky travelers who received her gracious and up-beat attention. One year she went to China and brought back luggage sets for many in her family - engraved with their names. Mim was always a gift-giver and enjoyed every minute - spreading joy. As the oldest sister, Mim was always taking charge of whatever she could do for our Parents. She loved Mom and Dad with such tenderness and appreciation and stepped In on many occasions when the had to move, or plan an event, or handle a crisis, or celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Mim lived her life, pretty much non-stop - with a bounce in her step, a smile on her face and ready to seize the moment. She was a beautiful Mom to Chad and Tiffany, Wife to Ron, Daughter to Myrtle and Bill Svanoe, Auntie to many nieces and nephews, a niece to lots of Aunts and Uncles, a cousin to literally hundreds - as we had parents from very large families. Mim kept track the best she could and stayed in touch whenever possible and was one of the super stars in our extended family gatherings. Mim always cared about her community of friends like she cared for her family. Offering clothing, household goods, food, spiritual support, nutritional advice, and so much Love. Helping others was her joy. I am so grateful to Mim for who she allowed herself to be - no matter what. She is such a beautiful angel and her love and sparkling countenance is forever a lift to our spirits. I love you Mim, with all my heart, Sister Rach

I am forever grateful to have had an Auntie Mimsie. She brought so much fun and love to my childhood years. I can still feel her hugs, and hear her voice. So many fond memories, treasured photos... her energy lives on. Holding her in my heart and on my mind. Sending love to our family, thinking of you all~ missing and honoring Mim with you. Love Meadow

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family for the loss of our angel on Earth, Mimz What a Guiding Light and such a strong spirit in the service of others and Shining her light and love upon all she met. I am a better person for knowing her and to be able to bask in her loving light even briefly. Life Goes On and her lessons help us to be a better person each and every day. Ja & David Klco &( Mom Judy & sis JC RIP)