Rhinehart Melvin Olson. age 94 of Babbitt peacefully passed away Sunday, March 28, 2010 at his daughter's home on Lake Vermilion. He was born on September 23, 1915 in Puritan, MI and worked in the CCC Camps during the depression. Rhine married June Brottlund on February 14, 1942 and shortly after, was drafted into the US Army. He served on the European Theater during WWII as a Communication Sergeant in the 79th Division for four years. He was also honorably discharged from the US Navy during the Korean War. Rhinehart worked and lived in Ironwood, MI operating his own electrical business. In 1955 he moved his family to Babbitt to take a job with Reserve Mining Company as an electrician. Rhinehart worked for Reserve Mining Company for many years. During that time he was given a three year leave of absence in which he worked for the Northeast Minnesota Group Health Association; serving as its Executive Director for a time. When his leave expired, Rhinehart returned to Reserve and worked there until his retirement.
Rhinehart volunteered his time to numerous organizations and projects during his time in Babbitt. He was a charter member of the Babbitt Lions Club, very active in the Babbitt Steelworker's Union serving in various capacities, started an Amateur Radio Club for young people and served as its leader for a number of years, was a member of the Maki Pinola American Legion Post# 535 and the Babbitt VFW Post # 1539. Rhinehart served on the Board of Directors for the Babbitt Food Shelf and the Babbitt Steelworkers Credit Union. He was proud to be a delegate to the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Rhinehart is survived by his children: Faye (Daniel) Mobilia of Lake Vermilion, Robert (Janet) Olson of Hayward, WI, and David Olson of Pequot Lakes, MN; grandchildren: Karin, Jean, & Steven Mobilia, Brian & Breah Olson, Brianne DePew, and Joshua Erik, & Kiersten Olson; great-grandchildren: Rachel, Avery, Blake, Eve, and another great-grandson expected in May; great-great granddaughter: April Mobilia; brother: Clyde (Martha) Olson of Iron Belt, MI; sister-in-law: Sue Olson of Racine, WI; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: June; three brothers and two sisters.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 7, 2010 in the Argo Cemetery in Babbitt. The Babbitt Servicemen's Honor Guard will accord military Honors.
Family services provided by Bauman-Vermilion, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. To leave personal remembrances of Rhinehart online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Graveside Services

Friday May 7, 2010 , 2:00 p.m.

Argo Cemetery