Gilbert & Mary Rhine

Gilbert Rhine, 95, of Harbor Springs, MI passed away, peacefully, at Bay Bluffs in Harbor Springs on March 12, 2025.   Mary (O'Connor) Rhine, following her husband of 71 years, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025.  Both came from multi-generational families from Harbor Springs and lived in Harbor Springs their entire lives.

Gilbert's father was George Rhine and mother, Esther (Troup)  Rhine.  Gilbert's siblings,  Adrian Rhine, Arlene Ramey. Doris Johnston, Fenton Rhine, Duane Rhine, Victor Rhine, and Avis Rhine preceded him in death.  Mary's father was Edward O'Connor and Mother Nettie (Ward) O'Connor.  Mary's siblings, Eris Smith and Hattie Whitaker  preceded her in death.

Gilbert and Mary had four children, Marcia (Rhine) O'Connor, Frank Rhine, Jonathan Rhine, and Rita (Rhine) Crapsey and two grand-children Andrea Hughey and Mitchell Prybyla (deceased) and one great-granddaughter, Isabel Fogle.

Gilbert and Mary enjoyed their families and the community of Harbor Springs.  They farmed for several years and Gilbert worked for Robert Zumbaugh Painting of Harbor Springs 42 years before retirement, and Mary worked occasionally as a private housekeeper,  and at the Colonial Inn in Harbor Springs.  They loved music and dancing.  They provided a good home to a long list of family pets.

Gilbert served in the Army in Germany, during the Korean War, from 1951-1953.  He married Mary in 1953.

Gilbert was a jack-of-all-trades, and his famous words to visitors, right up until the end  was, “Stop by any time”.  Mary was a quiet, nice lady, and her famous words were, “Would you like something to eat?”   They had many happy holidays in Harbor Springs, and knew many people throughout the years.

The family thanks the Bay Bluffs staff for their caring attention of their needs.  Donations on Gilbert and Mary's behalf can be made to either Bay Bluffs Foundation of Harbor Springs or the Michigan Humane Society.

A graveside service will take place at a later date at Lakeview Cemetery in Harbor Springs.

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