Shirley Ann Reinke, age 85, of Manitowoc entered eternal life on Sunday, September 2, 2018, surrounded by her loving children.
Shirley was born in Manitowoc on December 2, 1932, daughter of the late Joseph and Marcella (Walters) Tadych. Shirley graduated with the Class of 1951 from Lincoln High School, Manitowoc.Shirley married Albert (Hal) Harold Reinke on February 19, 1955, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Manitowoc. Shirley worked outside the home before her children were born and again after they were grown. Shirley frequently spoke about her job at the Dossinger Optical Company, Malcolm’s and proudly working with son Daniel at his company, Mom’s Pickles. However, her most important role was raising her seven children. When Shirley lost Hal on February 8, 1975, she wrote him a note the same day. “Dearest Hal, thank you for giving me almost 20 years of your life. Our love was so warm. I promise to take care of our children; with all the love and warmth you gave us. We’ll always be happy. Till we meet in eternity, your love will keep us going. With kisses from all, Shirley.” She lived by her words. For that, her children are eternally grateful.
Shirley was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic School and Church, being President of the School Board, member of the Rosary Society, and working many school lunches and funeral dinners. Shirley was deeply saddened when Sacred Heart closed, but then became an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Manitowoc, enjoying many Bible Studies with her group. Shirley was an avid sports fan. Whether the Sacred Heart Golden Gaels, Valders Vikings, Roncalli Jets, Lincoln Ships, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers or Green Bay Packers. Sports were always a staple in her life. In 1972, in a contest to name a newly created park in the city of Manitowoc, Shirley entered the name Citizen Park. In 1847, the Citizen was the name of the first clipper ship built in Manitowoc. Out of 172 submissions, the Manitowoc Common Council selected Shirley’s entry. She was proud they picked that name. For many years, a photo of Shirley and then Mayor Krey handing her the official certificate declaring the name Citizen Park, hung on her living room wall.
Shirley is survived by her children Daniel (Cheryl) Reinke, Cathy (Michael) Machia, Douglas (Dianna Caflin) Reinke, Greg (Erika Gerhardt) Reinke, Tony Reinke, Peter (Ann) Reinke and Jayne (Philip) Ruzek. She is also survived by her grandchildren, whom she adored, Jacob (Lyndsey) Reinke, Alissa Reinke, Bryanna (AJ) Pisciotto, Eric (Heather) Machia, Shawntel (Eric Mott) Hoffman, Hailey (Lucas Jenswold) Reinke, Abigail Reinke and special friend Brian Tlachac, Erin Reinke and Taylor (TJ), Joseph, Mitchel and Joshua Ruzek. Shirley is also survived by 12 great grandchildren, four being born this year.
Shirley is survived by sisters Marion (Robert) Lindholm, Margaret (Malcolm) Shaw, Lorraine (Roger) Oswald, Nancy (Gary) Orth, Germaine Miles and Ann Murray. Also surviving are brothers James (Judie) Tadych, Joseph Tadych, and Thomas (Deb Sukowaty) Tadych. Brother-in-law William Mahlock and sister-in-law Nancy Ehret. Also surviving are many dear nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.
She was proceeded in death by her husband, parents, sister Janet Haske, brother John (Jack) Tadych, brother-in-law Wallace Haske, brother-in-law Thomas Murray, father-in-law Harold Reinke, mother-in-law Alice Reinke and members of Hal’s family: Lorene Thirsk, Jeanette and Walter Tews, Elaine Price, Diane Carrington, Mary Louise Mahlock and Bruce Ehret.
Shirley’s children would to thank their aunts, uncles and cousins for their loving support on Saturday. Also, the staff on the 5th floor of Holy Family Memorial Hospital. Especially Tina, Lily, Carol, Trisha and Denise. Your kindness, care and support will never be forgotten.
Cheryl, Mike, Dianna, Erika, Ann and Phil. You are all truly a blessing. Thank you for all you did the past few days and everything you did through the years for mom. She loved you all very much.
Mom, you were our rock. Your humor alone was priceless. Our love and adoration is immeasurable. We’ll never stop missing you. Dad, mom missed you every single day. She couldn’t wait to see you again. You’re now together again and we know there’s a lot of dancing going on in heaven. Until we meet again and with much love, Dan, Cath, Doug, Greg, Ton, Pete and Jayne.
A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held with a memorial service held in her honor on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Grand, 1416 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Doug LeCaptain. Burial of cremated remains will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. Relatives and friends may call at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Grand from 8 a.m. until the time of services at 10 a.m. Following the funeral services there will be a luncheon at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home.
Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements
