Rhinehart John Lintonen, age 76, of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, passed away at home on Monday, August 17, 2026. Born on August 2, 1950, in Ironwood, Michigan, to the late Edwin and Helvi (Rajala) Lintonen, he married his loving wife of over 51 years, Roberta, in Middleton, Wisconsin. 

A proud veteran, Rhinehart served his country in the Michigan National Guard's Signal Corps and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ultimately attaining the rank of Captain. Rhinehart was a notable educator who dedicated 31 years to the Elkhorn Area School District, serving as the Chairman of the Social Studies Department. He continually went above and beyond for his students, including pioneering a Russian student exchange program in the 1990s. His profound passion for teaching extended well into higher education, as he also shared his expertise as an adjunct professor at Gateway Technical College and at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater while still teaching at the Elkhorn Area High School. He will be deeply missed and remembered for his tireless work, his dedication to his students, and the indelible memories he created.

Rhinehart is survived by his devoted wife, Roberta (Lubcke) Lintonen; son, Michael Lintonen; and cousin, Brian Lintonen.

Rhinehart is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Helvi Lintonen.

No local services will be held at this time. Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home of Elkhorn, WI, is honored to serve the Lintonen family. Online condolences can be made at http://www.haaselockwoodfhs.com