L. James "Jim" Reinke, age 83, was called to his Heavenly home on Thursday, August 1, 2013 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on August 30, 1929 to the late Lloyd and Viola (nee Kocher) Reinke in West Bend. Following high school, Jim served in the United States Army. On January 19, 1952, while on leave, Jim was united in marriage to Mildred "Millie" Ewert at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in West Bend. Upon his return from the service, he worked for his father at their family auto repair business. He later worked for Tom Landvatter at Landvatter Radio and TV and eventually worked for the Wisconsin Gas Company retiring in 1993 as a senior instrument technician.
Jim's faith was a very important part of his life and he was an active, lifetime member of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in West Bend. Jim was also a 50 year member of his card club, and in his free time he enjoyed fishing, golfing, traveling, and spending time up north.
Jim is survived by his wife, Millie; two children, Steve (Pam) Reinke of West Bend and Christine Reinke of West Bend; three grandchildren, Jim (Stephanie) Reinke, Scott Reinke, and Jeff Reinke, all of West Bend; two great-granddaughters, Hana and Grace Reinke; an aunt, Naomi Bowman; nephew, John (Sonja) Lawrence; niece, Jill (David) Lake; other relatives and many friends.
He joins the celebration in Heaven with his parents, Lloyd and Viola Reinke; his sister, Marlyn Lawrence; and his niece, Sally Jo Lawrence.
Funeral services in remembrance of Jim will be held on Tuesday, August 6th at 5:00 pm at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (809 S. 6th. Ave. West Bend). Visitation will be Tuesday at the church from 2:00 pm until 4:45 pm. Burial will be in Washington County Memorial Park on Wednesday August 7th at 10:00 am.
Memorials to St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church are appreciated by the family.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Gibson, Serenity Hospice, and the staff of the Lighthouse in West Bend for the loving care extended to Jim and his family.