Frank Edward Rimer, 76, of Chicora, a well-respected retired Chicora businessman, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, June 4, 2023, while surrounded by his loving family at Butler Memorial Hospital.
Frank was born in Rimersburg on November 3, 1946. He was the son of the late Wilbur T. and Helen A. Minich Rimer.
Frank grew up on the family farm near Rimersburg, eventually moving into town. He and his older brother enjoyed time outdoors, playing sports, and working alongside their Dad.
Frank graduated from Union High School in 1964, and Clarion State College in 1970 with a degree in business. He enlisted in the US Army Reserves in Brookville during college, and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served honorably for five years; Frank was a proud American.
In 1969, he met Linda Fulton, the love of his life, at Clarion State College. He enjoyed telling how they met when she was locked out of her car one afternoon.
Frank was an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chicora, where he served on the council and as an usher. He was a man of deep faith and devotion.
He was a member of the Argyle Masonic Lodge 540 F&AM in Chicora and a 32nd-degree Mason. He was a longtime Rotarian Paul Harris Fellow.
Frank loved a good adventure. Frank and Linda’s travels took them across the country. He especially loved the beach, boating, and skiing. A Steelers season ticket holder, he avidly followed his favorite team.
He was truly happiest at the family’s camp in East Brady, surrounded by family and friends enjoying the Allegheny River. Frank was a founding member of the Brady’s Bend Campground Association, where he served for many years as president and treasurer. Frank spent countless hours devoted to the business of the campground, working with the previous landowner and various county and state agencies to ensure the success of the campground.
He spent 45 years parenting by always “showing up” for his three children. He filled their childhood with life lessons, travels, and core memories that are written forever on each of their hearts. He loved his title, “Grandpa.” and spent time playing games with, talking to, and attending the activities of all six of his grandchildren.
In his earlier years, Frank worked as an Insurance Claims Adjuster for Nationwide Insurance in Butler. In 1977 he founded The Rimer Agency in Chicora, working as an independent agent for Nationwide. Frank was highly respected for his wise counsel and trusted advice among his many customers. He retired in 2011 following 40 years of service with Nationwide.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda J. Fulton Rimer, whom he married on December 8, 1973 at The Presbyterian Church in Rimersburg. The couple spent almost 50 years together enjoying life.
Also surviving are his children, Matthew Rimer and his wife, Nikki, of Fox Chapel, Kristen Sichler and her husband, Ed, of Mars, and Adam Rimer and his wife, Amber, of Spring Hill, TN. He was affectionately “Grandpa” to his six grandchildren, whom he adored, Adison and Kinsley Rimer, Hadley and Elliott Sichler and Audrey and Hayden Rimer. Frank is additionally survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Larry Fulton of Shippenville , Steve and Becky Fulton of Knox, and Sue Rimer of Gibsonia, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.
In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his beloved older brother, David A. Rimer; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Judd and Georgene Johnston Fulton; his step mother-in-law, Margaret “Peg” Fulton, and a sister-in-law, Alice Fulton.
Frank’s legacy will live on in the love he had for Linda, his children, grandchildren, and the life lessons that are preserved among those he impacted daily.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Rd., Chicora, from 1-3 and 6-9 p.m. Wednesday and from 10-11 a.m. Thursday in the Good Shepherd Room at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2217 Chicora Rd., Chicora. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Joseph Boomhower, church pastor, officiating. Military honors will be accorded at the church by members of the Chicora and Brady’s Bend American Legion Posts. Members of the Argyle Lodge F&AM of Chicora will conduct a memorial service for their departed brother 5:45 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Rimersburg Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Butler Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Rd., Renfew, PA 16053 or to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation at t2t.org. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.