Esther Reinke
Esther D. Reinke, 87, of rural Eitzen, MN passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI due to complications from a recent surgery. Private family funeral services were held Saturday, December 12 at St. John’s U.C.C., Wheatland with Pastor Paul Burgess officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
Esther was born February 24, 1933 in New Albin to William and Martha (Meyer) Gade. Esther was a graduate of New Albin High School. She then attended Winona State University, graduating with a teaching degree. Esther taught in Chatfield, MN and New Albin until she retired to raise her family.
August 19, 1953, she married Merlin Reinke at St. John’s U.C.C. in Wheatland. They lived the first five years of their marriage in New Albin. In 1959, they purchased the Reinke Homestead where they made their home and farmed until 1997. They then moved to Eitzen, MN. Merlin preceded Esther in death February 28, 2020.
During her time on the farm, Esther enjoyed being around her ducks, kittens, chickens and gardening. She was a member of St. John’s U.C.C. Wheatland where she was a long-time Sunday School Superintendent and a member of the women’s fellowship. Esther also was a member of the homemaker’s club and valued her friendship with her sewing group.
Survivors include her children: Dick (Cathy) Reinke, Kathy Bulman, Debbie (John) Hoeger, Dean Reinke, John (Val) Reinke, Ann (Scott) Kurk, Jim (Rhonda) Reinke and Steve (Wanda) Reinke; her grandchildren: Beth (Matt) Morey, Craig (Kristie) Reinke, Vanessa Davis, Spencer (Kristin) Davis, Rachael Hoeger, Kara (Mike) Brett, Jacklyn (Matt) Peterson, Kaitlin (Trent) Johnson, Leanne (Eric) Maas, Cassie (Noah) Daley, Jose Reinke, Kelsey Schuttemeier, Micah and Jonah Reinke, Ellissa Kurk, Amy (Eric) Halverson, Tayler (Matt) Schwartzhoff, Caden and Jase Reinke, and Zach and Ryan Reinke; her great-grandchildren: Mackenzie and Maya Morey, Christian and Colton Reinke, Trinity and Annesta Johnson, Orion Medlock, Leo Davis, Selma, Luke and Benjamin Brett, Nora, Eva and Halle Peterson, Peyton, Peige and Preslie Daley, Tyla, Hadley and Kyan Halverson, Brenner, Hawkin and McCoy Schwartzhoff, Sawyer Maas and Harlow Johnson; two sisters-in-law, Arlene Gade and Neva Swenson; one brother-in-law, Robert (Sandi) Reinke; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband, Merlin, she was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Ruth (Kenneth) Pearce; one brother, Paul Gade; and one brother-in-law, Art Swenson.
Online condolences may be offered at www.jandtfredrickson.com. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
