Eugene “Gene” “Babe” Elmer Reinke, age 83, of Ripon, went to his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Patriot Place Assisted Living in Berlin, WI. Gene was born on December 14, 1937 at Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh, the son of Elmer and Melva (Ploenzka) Reinke. He graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1955 and then took a training course for Architectural Drawing and Math. Gene joined the US Navy in 1955 and served until 1963. Gene was united in marriage to his loving wife, Shirley Luker on December 30, 1958. They celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2008. She then preceded Gene in death on December 3, 2016.
Gene worked in construction all of his life. He enjoyed working with wood and playing baseball. He was one of the organizers of the Oshkosh Campers Club and held the office of President for several years. He was also a bartender for many years and enjoyed the many people he got to know. Gene and his wife loved to dance and went to as many dances as they could. They loved to Polka until health took that away from them. In 2000, Gene and Shirley moved to Russell Manor Apartments in Ripon. They became Activity Directors as well as on-site couples for 8 years.
Gene is survived by four children; Ronald (Verona) of Pembine, Valerie (David) Pingel of Oshkosh, Susan (Douglas) Craig of Wautoma, Roland of Parshall, ND; foster son, Budd VanderHyden of Center Valley; brother, Phillip (Judy) Reinke of Oconomowoc; 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents; wife, Shirley; two infant sons, two infant daughters, and his step-father, Roland Zweiger.
Funeral services for Gene will be held on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 12:30pm at Divine Passage Funeral Home, 175 N Douglas Street, Ripon with Rev. Dr. Kevin P. Mundell officiating. Friends and family may visit at the funeral home from 11:00am until the time of the services. Cremation will follow. Divine Passage Funeral Home in Ripon is proudly serving the Reinke family. divinepassagefunerals.com
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the CBRF staff at Patriot Place Assisted Living in Berlin.
“Ye though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for my Lord and Savior are with me.”
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