Aileen Rinowski

Aileen Harriet Rinowski, 98, of Fargo, ND, formerly of Enderlin, ND, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo. She was surrounded by the love of her family, just as she would have wanted.

Aileen was born October 13, 1926, in Minneapolis, MN, to Lawrence and Emily (Novak) Bizek. She grew up in Greenbush, MN, graduating from Greenbush High School in 1944. She often laughed when remembering that, as a young girl of 10, she was already tending bar in her parents' tavern in Greenbush. After high school, she moved to Thief River Falls, MN, where she worked at the Ben Franklin Store.

On May 29, 1947, she married her high school sweetheart, Harry Rinowski, in Thief River Falls, shortly after his return from World War II. Together they raised a large and loving family.

Aileen and Harry were blessed with eleven children, though they endured the loss of two very young. Life along the railroad for Harry's work took the family to many towns across western Minnesota and eastern North Dakota. In several places, they lived above Soo Line train depots-settings that gave rise to countless family stories: stoking coal in the middle of the night, or giving baths in a tin tub by the depot stove.

A true member of the Greatest Generation, Aileen lived with resilience, generosity, and openhearted hospitality. Even in lean times, she was known to send meals to those traveling in boxcars who were in need. Her home was always full of laughter, stories, and a good game of Nickels. She will be remembered as selfless, loving, and devoted-concerned for her family's well-being even in her final hours.

Aileen's greatest joy was her family. She cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and the many friends who were drawn to her table for good food, humor, and warmth.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; sons, Thomas and Baby Rinowski; and siblings, Ernest Bizek and Martha Hall.

Aileen is survived by children, Cindy Hebert, Aberdeen, SD; Harry "Tim" (Arlyss) Rinowski, Golden Valley, MN; Mike Rinowski, Zimmerman, MN; Jan Rinowski, Moorhead, MN; Mary Mrozla, Fargo, ND; Becky Rydell, Fargo, ND; Matt (Luann) Rinowski, Bixby, OK; Anthony (Krista) Rinowski, Elk River, MN; Amy (Tom Galgerud) Rinowski, Papillion, NE; grandchildren, Stacy (Larry), Shelly (Brian), Tammy (Derek), Ryan (Kristen), Billy (Stefania), Jessica (Brian), Zack, Emily (Ben), Tom (Gina), Alex (Rebecca), Haley (Jessica), Sam, Louis, Ben, Katie (Daniel), Jason (Karrie), Robert (Kelli), Gabby, Sadie, Eric (Brianna), Grace; great-grandchildren, Lyndsey, Eddie (Erica), Kendal, Emmett, Addison, Lexi, Lucas, Hannah, Kennedy, Sophie, Reese, Brady, Henley, Ruby, Piper, Emma, Alyssa, Boston, Kayden, Jayce, Carson, Max, Tyler, Lexi, Allissa, Jossalynne, Rory, Charlie, Ethan, Shane, Lincoln, and Palmer; great-great-grandchildren, Oryon and Ryker; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.