Roger G. Reinke
June 14, 1926 - August 11, 2018
Obituary
MADISON-World War II U.S. Army sergeant veteran Roger Gilmer Reinke, age 92, died on Aug. 11, 2018 at the VA Hospital in Madison, after a brief illness. The son of Benhardt and Elsie (Brockman) Reinke, Roger was born on June 14, 1926, on the Reinke family homestead in Springfield Township in Dane County. He attended East High School, and upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Army where he served from July 20, 1944 until June 14, 1946. His service included involvement in the bitter-cold Battle of the Bulge (December 19, 1944 – January 25, 1945). After the war, Roger sold fuel oil and other products. He enjoyed reading newspapers and newsmagazines, and loved spoiling his nieces and nephews with gifts he mysteriously found “in the road.” Wisconsin woodlands were his spiritual refuge. Roger is survived by his brothers; Kenneth and Joe; sister-in-law Jane Addamo-Reinke; nieces and nephews, Jeff (Karen Banaszak) Reinke, Jill (Jay) Najdowski, David Reinke, Robert Reinke, Dyanne Cox, Jerilyn Stanley, John (Joan) Reinke, Christie McGarrity, Thomas Reinke, Jeanine Johnson, M. Scott Johnson, Laura Reinke, Richard (Patti) Reinke, Teresa (John) Rohrer, Jennifer (Rick) Callihan, Deborah Mink, Pam (Jay) Trumbower, Mary (Fred Matt) Mink, and Ronald (Bonnie) Mink; and numerous grand- and great-grand nephews and nieces. In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by brothers, John (Ilona) and Gordon (Elaine); sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy (Ralph I.) Johnson, Beverly (Gerald) Mink, Janet Reinke, Shirl Reinke and Jane Reinke; nieces, Joette and Rhonda Lee Reinke; and nephew, U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 3C Ronald Reinke who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1967. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 18, 2018. There will be a time for sharing stories at 12 p.m. followed by military rites. Graveside services will then be held at St. John’s Cemetery in Middleton. Online condolences may be made at gundersonfh.com
Gunderson West
Funeral and Cremation Care
7435 University Ave
608-831-6761
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Memories
JC
Jennifer Callihan
Other •
Uncle Roger,
You will be missed. You created many lasting memories in my life. You took the title Godfather as a badge of honor. Buying me my first car at 16! A Mercury Montego MX!
Teaching me about our family genealogy and history. Sharing your interests about health and religion, among many other topics.
Although you will be missed, I am comforted that you are at peace.
Love Your Niece,
-Jeni Callihan
AR
Amy Rohrer
Other •
I will always remember the way Uncle Roger used to come out of the kitchen with shaving cream all over his face and scare me when i was a little girl. He was such a practical joker. We had many long talks on the phone where he would tell me all about our family history. I will miss you Uncle Roger.
CG
Carol J Gillman
Other •
I remember when we were all young kids. Uncle Roger used to come over at Christmas time and bring a huge box of chocolates! This was a big hit with us 6 (Stan and Vilma Reinke) kids. Thank you, Carol Gillman
LR
Laura Lee Reinke
Other •
Uncle Roger was so much a part of my childhood. Everytime I saw him I would say I love you Uncle Roger and he would say back God loves you too. I loved helping him stuff envelopes for his sales job and calling people on a list and asking if they had oil or gas so he would know who to sell oil too when I was young! He always had little presents for us and dearly loved all of his family. He was always there to help them out. God Loves You too Unce Roger and may you Rest In peace! Love Laura Lee Reinke