[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 127 (Friday, August 2, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE OF OLNEY RESIDENT ERIC RINEHART

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                          HON. NIKKI BUDZINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 2024

  Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Eric 
Leroy Rinehart, an incredible public servant from Olney, Illinois. Eric 
was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on February 19, 1953. After 
graduating from Flora High School, Eric chose to attend the University 
of Illinois, where he received his degree in mathematics. After 
college, Eric dedicated his career to his community and worked for the 
Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.
  After retiring in 2005, Eric became dedicated to gardening, 
establishing gardens around the Springfield region. If you used to call 
the Illinois Extension Office about which vegetables grow the best in 
Central Illinois' climate, you'd be transferred to Eric. Eric's 
passions extended beyond gardening; he especially loved spending time 
with his family, Manchester City Football Club, Star Trek, and Science 
News Magazine.
  As a computer programmer in the 1970s and an early adopter of the 
internet, he was constantly learning about and fascinated by the latest 
developments in the tech world. He enjoyed discussing science, 
engineering, physics, technology, and statistics with anyone.
  Eric's greatest accomplishment, however, was his incredible family. 
Eric married his wife, Penny, in 1977 after meeting her at the 
University of Illinois. Penny and Eric had two sons, Jonathan and 
William, and two granddaughters Claudette and Camille. I will be 
keeping them in my prayers during this very difficult time. Eric's 
incredible life has left a lasting mark on his family and community. He 
will be deeply missed by all of those who call Central Illinois home.

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