Kenneth James Reinke
May 20, 1930 - July 05, 2026
Obituary
OREGON - Kenneth J. Reinke, 96, of Oregon, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
Ken was born on May 20, 1930, in Springfield, Wis., the son of Benhardt Reinke and Elsie Brockmann. He graduated from Madison East High School in 1948 and served in the U.S. Marines and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from 1951 to 1959, serving as a marksmanship instructor. He worked at Strauss Printing Company as a typesetter for 26 years.
He married Jane Gardner on November 30, 1957, in Milwaukee. They were lifelong Christian Scientists. In 1967 they built a home in rural Oregon, Wis. where they raised a family and lived for the remainder of their lives.
He enjoyed being outdoors. He rode horses and was an avid hunter. He loved dogs. He also enjoyed traveling. Together, Ken and Jane visited all 50 states as well as Europe. Most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Ken is survived by his daughter, Jill (Jay) Najdowski; sons, Jeff (Karen Banaszak) Reinke, Robert (Dina Khromuleva) Reinke and David Reinke; grandchildren, Sarah Najdowski, Nicholas Reinke, Roman Reinke and Daniel Kenny; sister-in-law, Louise Scheurer; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane; his parents; brothers, Roger, Joe, John and Gordon; sisters, Beverly Mink and Dorothy Johnson; and grandson, David Michael Reinke.
A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Visitation will be held from 9:30 until 11 a.m. Burial will take place at St. John's Cemetery in Middleton.
Memorials may be made to St. John's Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761