Alan Gilbert Rhyner

Alan Gilbert Rhyner of Prentice, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Magnolia Trails in Colby. There is a saying that life is made up of two important dates and a dash in between. Let’s take a moment to remember some of the special moments in Al’s dash. Alan was born in Owen, on Jan. 30, 1941. He went to school in Westboro, where his parents, Mary and Gilbert Rhyner, owned a local tavern. Al had six siblings. The “Rhyner Boys” were well known. When they would walk into a party, the girls would often sigh and say, “Oh, the Rhyner Boys are here,” while the boys would growl, “Get ready, the Rhyner Boys are here.” Alan deeply loved his three sisters, Marie, Diane, and Norma, who preceded him in passing. He was also predeceased by his parents; as well as his brothers, Russell and Gordon. Alan is survived by his brother, Everett (Betty); as well as numerous nieces and nephews who affectionately referred to him as Uncle Butch.

Alan married Dorothy Gelhaus on May 9, 1964. The first time he saw her across the room at one of those lively parties, he told his friend, “I’m going to marry that girl.” They had three children and raised them in Prentice, Daniel Rhyner, Kim (Jon) Quinnell, and Lisa (Jeff) Simek. He was a very proud grandpa to Alyssa, Alex (Karley), Josef (Jackie), Chelsea (Dalton), Abby (Justin), and Mikaela. Al also had five great-grandchildren, Daxton, Alayna, Aubrey, Eloise, and Theo.

Alan owned Al’s Barber Shop in Prentice for 43 years. His family has many happy memories of running

1941-2026

down the alley after he finished work so they could hold his hand and walk home together. Two generations happily swept up the hair at the end of the day to earn a coveted quarter from the till. The kids also enjoyed little missions where they cruised past on their bikes to check out how many customers were waiting, so they knew when it was time for lunch. On Friday nights, when Alan worked late, the kids took turns bringing him his lunchbox. Working a half-day on Saturdays and having the shop closed on Mondays meant long weekends at the lake cabin during the summer.

Living in Prentice, Alan was, for over 50 years, an active member of the Prentice Lions Club. He had a deep faith that he showed through his involvement with St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Alan enjoyed playing city league baseball, taking part in men’s evening basketball, and golfing in a Thursday night men’s league. His greatest passions though, were fishing and hunting. If you went fishing with Alan, you’d often hear him tap out his pipe, fire up his Zippo lighter, and say, “One more cast.” He also spent many happy seasons hunting with friends and family at Wildwood Lodge. All in all, Alan’s dash was a life well lived.

Services are scheduled for Saturday, May 23, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Prentice. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a church service. A luncheon will be held in the church dining area immediately after the service. A private burial will take place at Mount Olive Cemetery in Westboro. In lieu of flowers, Alan’s family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Prentice Lions Club.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.

Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.

Paid Obituary 183143