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ROCHELLE – John L. Reinke, 95, of Rochelle, died Monday, March 16, 2015, at Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon.
He was born June 2, 1919, on the family farm near Rochelle, the son of John and Anna (Ludwig) Reinke. He graduated in 1937 from Rochelle High School. He farmed in Lafayette Township until his retirement in 1987. He also was employed by the Ashton School District as a mechanic and bus driver for 20 years. He served as supervisor of Lafayette Township for 20 years. It was 75 years ago at church when he met his bride, Goldie Eppler. They were married Sept. 24, 1939, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church at Paynes Point. Music was an important part of John’s life. As a kid, he took violin lessons. He also played the harmonica, guitar, accordion, piano, and organ. He sang in the church choir for many years. He also sang at weddings and funerals, too numerous to count. John was a lifelong member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. He was baptized there and active in the church until the year before his death. He taught Sunday school, and served on council and the cemetery board, along with various other positions. If there was any activity at the church, you could count on John and Goldie taking part. John learned to fly in his 20s. He enjoyed giving rides and loved to “Buzz” his friends in his small planes. He and Goldie made trips to Florida, Michigan, and several trips to Nebraska. His last flight was near his 90th birthday.
He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Goldie of Rchelle; and his son, Dave (Lou) Reinke of Rochelle; daughters, Lois Olson of Prosser, Washington, and Ruth (Vic) Wiley of Bloomington; 10 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mina Clemmons.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. Seventh St., Oregon. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Andrew Kayes, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery.
A memorial fund is established to Serenity Hospice & Home.
Visit farrellhollandgale.com to send condolences.