Joe Benhardt Reinke

MADSION - Joe Reinke went to his heavenly resting place on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021. He was born on Oct. 20, 1933, in Madison, Wis. Joe was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, having served as a medic during the Korean War. Joe was an avid sportsman and made many fond memories throughout his life hunting with his brothers, daughters, son-in-law, nephews, and numerous hunting buddies. Many great memories were made with the family fishing, catching frogs and turtles, and just being together at Willow Mills. He was a consummate storyteller, spinning tales over the years that had his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren spellbound within the adventures he would create. Joe loved to sing and dance, and would hit the dance floor whenever or wherever a good song came on, especially if it was old time country music like Johnny Cash. Joe was a prolific wildlife and landscape artist. He loved to pull a fast one on friends, family, or actually anyone within striking distance, and more often than not it was in one of his many disguises. Holidays were a particular favorite time for dressing like Santa, or decked out in green and white sequins for St. Patty’s Day, a white sparkling tuxedo for New Years, and a full-on ape costume just about any time in between. And if you knew Joe, you knew his affinity for his Tor Johnson mask….and he probably scared you with it at least once! Joe was a man with a playful spirit to the end. He will be greatly missed. Joe is survived by his beloved daughters, Teresa (John) Rohrer and Jeni (Rick) Callihan; and Ann Simon who was like a third daughter; his four grandchildren, Amy (Ed Siegler) Rohrer, Travis (Ashley) Reinke, Matthew (Hilary) Rohrer and Alyssa Rohrer; six great-grandchildren, Sophie, Owen, Annika, Wesley, Lars and Ellowyn; his brother, Kenneth Reinke; and his sister-in-law, Jane Addamo-Reinke. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Janet (Bergeman)and his second wife Shirley (Ring); his parents, Elsie and Ben Reinke; his brothers, John, Roger and Gordon; and his sisters, Dorothy and Beverly. A private family celebration of life will be held at a future date by invitation only due to COVID precautions. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420