Gilbert E. Reinecke, Jr.

Life Sketch for Gilbert E. Reinecke

Gilbert E. Reinecke, Jr., age 76, passed away on February 3, 2019 at his home in Newton.

Gil was born December 30, 1942 in Chicago, IL, the son of Gilbert Eugene and Marie Kathryn (Fritsch) Reinecke, Sr.

After high school, Gil joined the Air Force and served his country for eight years before being Honorably Discharged. During that time he was stationed at Shemya, Alaska, Offutt AFB Omaha, NE and Torrejon AFB Madrid, Spain. After serving in the Air Force he earned a degree at the Industrial Engineering College of Chicago.  He was Salutatorian for his graduating class. He was retired from Boeing/Spirit as a engineer nearly 30 years. He was currently working at North Dillons in Newton where he  was a driver for the floral and pharmacy departments.

On May 16, 1964 he married Rita Marie Denning in Omaha Nebraska, they later divorced.  On November 25, 1988 he married Shirley Lynn Tyner, in Wichita, KS, and they made their home in Newton. Gil loved his Koi Pond that he and Shirley dug by hand, and they enjoyed many hours sitting and watching the fish. He enjoyed working with wood and repairing cars. Gil was a very social person and his best times were spent being around family and friends. Everyone always knew they were welcome at Shirley and Gil’s.

Gil was preceded in death by his parents: Gilbert and Marie; and brother: George Reinecke.

He is survived by his wife: Shirley; son: Eric A. and John G. Reinecke; daughters: Deneene (Irvin) Esau, Alana (Greg) Vibbert, Elizabeth (Eddy) Malik; sister: Janalee Hagen: two grandchildren: Bryan Esau and Brittany Vibbert; and his faithful companion, Rudy, their toy Australian Shepherd.

The Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 8, 2019, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Newton. A public visitation will be held at Petersen Funeral Home from 5:00-9:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 7^th with The Recitation of the Holy Rosary held at 7:00 p.m. Father Devin Burns will be presiding over both the Rosary and Mass.

Memorials are suggested to the charity of your choice and may be sent in care of Petersen Funeral Home.

www.petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com