Ronald William Reinke was born July 21, 1936, on a farm near Byron to William G. and Amanda D. (Hellmer) Reinke.
As a young boy, Ron attended Byron Public School and later graduated with the class of 1954. He furthered his education by enrolling with Hastings College, focusing on studying drafting. Ron enlisted into the U.S. Army, where he served as a company mail clerk, designer and draftsman. He was discharged in 1959 and later was united in marriage to Janet Nagey on April 29, 1962, and to this union, two sons, Douglas and Troy, were born. Together they lived in Byron, Fullerton and eventually moved to Friend in 1969.
Ron worked for Engel Heating, Plumbing & Electrical, and later went into business himself and started “Reinke Electric” where he enjoyed serving customers with their electrical needs. He eventually retired and delivered for Danbred for a period of time. Ron was a member of the Friend Fire Dept, Friend Jaycees, Blue Valley Electrical Association, and the Lincoln Electrical Association and enjoyed collecting pencils and belonged to the American Pencil Collector Assn. In his spare time, Ron enjoyed camping and boating.
Survivors include his sons, Doug and Sandra Reinke, Imperial; and Troy and Melinda Reinke, Lincoln; grandchildren, Skyler Reinke, Imperial, Trevor and Sarah Reinke, Travis and Cassie Reinke, all of Lincoln, and Justin and Shailea Cox, Humbolt; step-grandchildren, Travis Johnson, and Alyssa and Ted Saunders, all of Lincoln; great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Janet; and brother and sister-in-law, Wallace and Karla Reinke.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, March 20, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Cordova, starting at 11 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Andrews Cemetery in Friend. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Friend Fire Department and Rescue. Arrangements by Lauber Funeral and Cremation Services.
