Kenneth T. Reinke, 88, of Clintonville, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2015, at his residence.
Kenneth Theodore Reinke was born Dec. 29, 1926, to the late Theodore and Elsie (Schulz) Reinke in Clintonville. His boyhood was spent growing up on the family dairy farm, where he learned the meaning of a good work ethic. He was baptized and later confirmed at Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville. After school, Ken started work as a farm hand and also worked as a carpenter.
Ken was united in marriage to Esther Krueger on Dec. 8, 1951, at St. Martin Lutheran Church, Clintonville. He later worked at Hotz’s Lumber and Marion Plywood. In 1966, he took over the home family farm, and later took a job at Larsen Canning Company, Hortonville, where he would retire years later. Ken was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clintonville. He was an avid deer hunter. After retirement, Ken found time for his love of woodworking as well.
Ken will be remembered for his one-of-a-kind personality, whether it was cracking a joke, pulling pranks or having a long conversation.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Esther; children, Carl Reinke, Marion, Carla (Jim) Hansen, Shawano, Chuck (Betty) Reinke, Merrill, Cathy (Darwin) Blankschien, Clintonville, Calvin Reinke, Clintonville; 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; a sister, and a brother.
A private committal was held Thursday, March 5, 2015, at the Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville, with the Rev. Titus Buelow officiating. Inurnment will take place at Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville, in spring.
An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.