Heinrich Konrad Friedrich “Henry” Rininsland

Heinrich Konrad Friedrich “Henry” Rininsland, aged 86 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away on Saturday, June 20th, 2015.  He was born in Hannover, Germany on November 7th, 1928.  His family moved to Wildungen in central Germany when he was 2, where he spent his childhood and teen years.  He attended public school and 4 years of top level (“Gymnasium”) high school.  At age 16 Henry was drafted into the German military and spent the next 2 years manning anti-aircraft guns.  He was taken prisoner of war by the American military and spent the next 2 years working for the American military, who allowed him to finish his high school education.  After working as a miner in various mines in Germany, Henry moved to Leoben, Austria to study mining engineering.  He obtained his engineering degree while working nights in a steel mill.  While there he met and married Inge Zesch, the love of his life.  They went on to have a wonderful marriage for the next 58 years.  Henry and Inge spoke fluent English.  Because of his engineering skills, he was given the opportunity to assist in building the Lanigan Potash Mine and without hesitation, he moved the family to Lanigan, SK in 1967.  Henry managed the Lanigan mine from 1967 to 1974.  Due to the mine being sold under duress to the Saskatchewan Government, he made the difficult decision to move back to Germany in 1974.  He became Chief Engineer of Europe’s largest potash mine in Heringen, Germany until he retired in 1991.  Henry and Inge always wanted to return to Canada and they were able to immigrate to Moose Jaw in 1992.  They spent a wonderful retirement together until his passing.  Henry was interested in stamp collecting, gardening and travelling.  He and Inge travelled extensively to Hawaii, within Canada, and back to Germany and Austria.  He was a voracious reader, especially interested in history.  Henry was a loving and wonderful husband, father and grandfather.  He was predeceased by his parents, Heinrich and Gertrude Rininsland.  Henry is survived with fond memories by his wife, Inge Rininsland (Zesch); son, Volker (Pat) Rininsland of Moose Jaw, SK; daughter, Gertrude (Manfred) Hennies of Wiesbaden, Germany; son, Uwe (Petra) Rininsland of Obersuhl, Germany; daughter, Frauke Rininsland (Bill Bruno) of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and grandchildren: Andrew and Vanessa Rininsland, Jens, Lars and Erik Hennies, and Andrea Bruno.  A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 26th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  As an expression of sympathy, donations in Henry’s name may be made to The Moose Jaw Humane Society, Box 1658 Station Main, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Calvin Gammel, Funeral Director 306-693-4550