Eugene Reinke

Eugene F. Gene Reinke, 86, of Rockford, passed away peacefully in his home early on Friday, May 4, 2012 after a long illness. Gene was born June 2, 1925 at his farm home in Wanatah, IN to Emil and Martha (Krueger) Reinke. He was the youngest of 7 siblings and attended school in the area. On March 21, 1948 he married the former Wilma Martin. Gene served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Attended Iowa State University where he received his BS degree. He returned to the classroom in 1958 and earned his MS degree at Michigan State University. He spent his career in the food and dairy industry and held positions in Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Cedar Rapids, St. Paul and Miami. Gene retired from Ecolab in South Beloit in 1996. He was a longtime member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Rockford.

Survived by his wife, Wilma; three children, Robert (Dorsey) Reinke of Indianapolis, Anne (Tim) Celner of Rockford and Jon (Andrea) Reinke of Carmel, IN; six grandchildren, Beth, Theo, Kelly, Ben, Jack and Kate. He was preceded in death by his five brothers and two sisters.

Gene was a gentle and quiet man whose family was very dear to him. He had an independent spirit and determination, loved the challenge of hard work and enjoyed his travels to many parts of the world. The family gives special thanks to the St. Mark family and to VNA Hospice and InTouch Home Services.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, May 7, 2012 at St. Mark Lutheran Church with Pastor Donald E. Lavelle officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 10:45am Monday at the church. Burial in St. Johns Lutheran Cemetery, Wanatah, IN in the family plot near the farm where he was born. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church or Salvation Army of Winnebago County. Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL assisted the family.