Arno Erich Rinas, 98, of Salina passed away January 28, 2023 at Salina Presbyterian Manor.  Born March 9, 1924 in Arnsdorf, East Prussia, Germany, Arno immigrated to the United States as a child with his family settling in Egeland, North Dakota. He graduated with an engineering degree from North Dakota State University in Fargo where he met and married Marilyn Genevieve Moore. They later divorced. He and Marilyn had six children Becky (Hugh) Hyberger, Salina; Carrie Magill, Kansas City, MO; Suzie (Scott) Bertram, Lake Quivira, KS; Heidi (Eduardo) Contreras, Tulsa, OK; Polly (Joe) Janos, Huntersville, NC, and Mark who died in 1981. He had 17 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.

Arno served in World War II, and one month after deployment to Europe, he was captured and remained a prisoner of war in Germany for six months.  He was honorably discharged with two bronze stars and five additional medals.

Arno was predeceased by his son, Mark, parents Eduard and Olga Simon Rinas, stepmother Lula Thompson Rinas, brother Ervin, sister Ruth Smith, and son-in-law Larry W Magill, Jr.  He is survived by his sister, Edith Rinas Nabity of Omaha, NE and sister-in-law Zelda Schafer Rinas of Fargo, ND, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arno had a long and distinguished career as a civil and structural engineer. He was a member of several professional organizations and maintained Arno Rinas and Associates, Structural Engineers, in Salina until moving to Presbyterian Manor. He was an avid boater, snow skier, hunter and fisherman and enjoyed taking family on boating, fishing, and skiing adventures. Arno was a die-hard Kansas Chiefs fan and a loyal North Dakota State University Bison.  He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Salina.

Visitation is May 5 from 4-8 at Ryan Mortuary, Salina. The memorial service is May 6 at 10:30 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Salina, with committal following at Gypsum Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Salina or Wounded Warriors.