Sandra "Sandi" Reinke
Sandra “Sandi” Lou Reinke, 74, of New Albin died Friday evening, April 12, 2024 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services will be held to honor Sandi’s life at St. John’s UCC Church (Wheatland Church) in rural New Albin Thursday, April 18 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Allen Hanson officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday evening, April 17 from 4-8 p.m. at the New Albin Community Center and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Thursday at the church.
Sandi was born July 16, 1949 in Waukon, the daughter of Helen Delores (Aure) and Melbourne Rema Evanson. She was baptized and confirmed at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waterville. She was raised on the family farm and could recall the days when her father would let her and her siblings ride in a wagon pulled by a team of draft horses. She first attended the country school near the old Elon Store and later, Waterville School. Sandi was active in 4-H and Luther League. She graduated from Waukon High School in 1968. Following graduation she worked at the factory in Spring Grove, MN.
In the fall of 1968, Sandi met the love of her life, Robert “Bob/Rip” Paul Reinke, on a double date to Rainbow Gardens in Waterville. They were married July 25, 1970 at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church. Together they farmed Bob’s family farm near New Albin - milking cows and raising hogs, beef, chickens, and amazing children.
Sandi was very active in her church community at St. John’s United Church of Christ (UCC) in rural New Albin. Baking and cooking for events such as the annual chicken barbeque, taking part in Women’s Fellowship, and caring for friends and neighbors on Wheatland Ridge and surrounding area was important to her. Mowing, tending her vegetable garden, canning, cooking, baking, knitting, and quilting meant there was no time to be bored.
Sandi never shied from hard work but when it was time to butcher chickens she would make a call to her mom and mother-in-law to get the job done. Sandi was usually content to stick near home but she enjoyed trips with friends and family to the west coast and the south. She volunteered for ten years with her sister, Phyllis, at the New Albin Way Station where she loved socializing and assisting customers. Sandi’s pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. She cheered them on at their events and competitions regularly, proudly sharing stories about them, and so cherished time together.
Sandi received a cancer diagnosis 17 years ago. She battled with all her might through surgeries and treatments to be cancer free. God blessed her with many healthy years since. Recent health challenges and numerous hospitalizations to address heart and kidney issues didn’t diminish her goal “to get stronger and go home.” But she missed her dear husband. Insurmountable physical problems eventually led her back to him and to her heavenly home.
Survivors include her children: Stephanie (Erik) Piehl of Carpentersville, IL and Daniel Reinke of New Albin; five grandchildren: Henry and Halle Piehl, and Brianna, Nathan and Addison Reinke; her sisters, Phyllis (Robert) Waters of New Albin, Mary (Bill) Bleckwehl of Northfield MN, and Linda (Bob) James of Grants Pass, OR; her brothers, James of Waterville, David of Waukon, and Steven (Sheryl) Evanson of Waterville; a sister-in-law, Neva Swenson of Chatfield MN; and many awesome nieces, nephews, cousins and faithful friends.
Sandi is preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Bob/Rip" Reinke; her parents, Helen and Melbourne Evanson; her sisters, Shirley and Nancy Evanson; her sister-in-law, Vicki Evanson; her brother-in-law, Art Swenson; her brother/sister-in-law, Merlin and Esther Reinke; and herfather- and mother-in-law, Henry and Irma Reinke.
The Fredrickson Funeral Home in Caledonia, MN is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.FredricksonFuneralHomes.com.
