Walter A. Rivinius, 96, passed away Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at Alex Cohen Hospice House in Hughson. Walter was born November 27, 1919 in Streeter, North Dakota to Philip and Magdalena Rivinius. He was a 70 year resident of Escalon, CA. He worked as a business administrator for the San Joaquin County Health Department for 30 years. He was a member of the Escalon United Methodist Church for 69 years. He enjoyed fishing and camping, but his greatest love was his children and grandchildren. His love for young people did not stop there. After his wife of 64 years passed away, he continued the legacy of love by passing out two dollar bills to every child he came across and encouraged them to buy ice cream in her honor.
He is survived by his sister: Evanda Frey of Lodi, CA; children: Steve Rivinius (Winnie) of Farmington, CA and Kristy Nicholson (Mark) of Oakdale, CA; grandchildren: Faith Nicholson of Escalon, Philip Nicholson (Cathy) of Norman, OK, Matthew Rivinius (Erica) of Stockton, CA, and Janay Rivinius of Modesto, CA; great-grandchildren: Marcus Brown and Aaron McGaffee both of Modesto, CA, and Jacob, Rachel, Jeanne and Adam of Escalon, CA; step great-grandchildren: Jacob, Nate and Ely of Norman, OK. He was preceded in death by his wife Freda Rivinius who was the love of his life and his wife for 64 years; his brother Harry P. Rivinius, his sister Verna Hoerth, and his grandson Andrew Rivinius.
A graveside service was held Monday, August 15, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Burwood Cemetery, 28320 E. River Road, Escalon, CA followed by a Celebration of Life service at Escalon United Methodist Church, 2000 Jackson Avenue, Escalon, CA at 11 a.m. For those who desire, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Community Hospice or the Escalon Community Ambulance.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Aug. 17, 2016
WALTER RIVINIUS
Nov. 27, 1919 Aug. 9, 2016