Charles Arthur Rhineheimer

Charles Rhineheimer, 76, was elevated into the arms of Jesus on September 28, 2026, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren. His was a life filled with love, humor, making up his own words, and a passion for leading others closer to Christ. Born to Arthur and Helen (Hollenbaugh) Rhineheimer on May 17, 1950, who both preceded him in death, along with his brother Phillip Nelson. He is survived by his precious sister, Helen Goetz. His life was enriched by the enduring love of his wife, Sue (Kellar) Rhineheimer who has walked by his side since they were high school sweethearts with their journey beginning together on December 27, 1969. They created a beautiful family who will forever cherish the memories they have with him: Cheri (Don) Casciola, Chad (Leah) Rhineheimer, Kevin (Erin) Rhineheimer, and Casey (Eric) McBride – as well as his treasured grandchildren: Taylor, Hannah, Tanner, Grace, Bailey, Charlie, Kellar, Ellie, Kinley, Caden, Jackson, Emily, and Harrison, and his delight with his great grandchildren: Holley, Raelyn, and all future sweetie pies. Charlie’s life led him from being a mischievous child and teenager chasing fun and raising Cain to the doors of the ministry pastoring his own flock at Tri-City Church of Christ in Chandler, AZ. There he touched the hearts of many young families starting their own journeys of raising children and learning the love of the Lord. His overwhelming commitment to them has also gained heaven more beautiful souls. He also was a “tentmaker” preacher who ran a landscaping business on the side, and Ahwatukee’s roadsides have been forever beautified by his touch. Through his devotion to his own family, he actively participated in all his children’s events of gymnastics, baseball, choir, basketball, among many others: bucking bronco, racing Hot Wheel cars, Monopoly, playing catch, pickup basketball games, hunting trips, and most importantly teaching his family cards alongside the art of “stacking the deck” and “cheat to win.” Pitch, Gin Rummy, and Solitaire were some of his favorites, along with 42 and 88 with dominoes. Always giving preference to his wife, there were long drives to decompress from hard days – Sonic Vanilla Coke runs topped the list, alongside all the starry night stargazing that occurred. Not to be forgotten was the infamous late night boat ride one Sunday at Canyon Lake far from the dock where the engine died, and it took him hours to row them back to shore. There was never a problem that Charlie faced that couldn’t be fixed with what was readily available: the favored standbys of: JB Weld, Duct Tape, and pink Bubble Gum. He was a master of rigging such catastrophes and ensuring the job got done and danger was averted. Charlie’s kidneys began to fail in his 60s, and he was placed on the donor registry in hopes of receiving one. A few years passed, and things didn’t look promising until the phone call he and mom received in October 2014 informing them, their daughter, Cheri, learned she was a perfect match. Gifting him with the lifesaving donation gave him his third kidney two months later. That blessed him with 12 more years of making memories with those he loved and new friends he made along the way. Charlie’s great love of spending many of his formative years growing up in the open fields of Nicholasville, KY and fondly recollecting them is what brought he and Sue back to Kentucky six years ago. His appreciation for the beauty of the Bluegrass brought him much peace and cheering on the UK Wildcats brought much excitement. Together, he and Sue, delighted in their “tree house” watching the wildlife at play, fishing in the pond with his grandchildren, driving the scenic byways, and just silently reflecting life sitting on the front porch overlooking God’s slice of heaven he lived in. Charlie’s warmth, grand humor, and kindness will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who encountered him - forever treasured memories. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Charlie’s memory to: Donate Life of Kentucky, 10505 Watterson Trail, Louisville KY 40299 or www.donatelifeky.org. The family lovingly appreciates all the kind memories shared with them about him.