Jesus lives! The victory won! On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, Reinhardt Gaedtke Jr. went home and entered into eternal life to his heavenly Father while surrounded by his loving family.
Reiny was born on May 21, 1938 to Reinhardt Sr. and Adeline (Jahnke) Gaedtke. He was baptized on June 21, 1938 and proclaimed his faith when confirmed on May 24, 1953. Reiny was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Newtonburg where he loved to use his beautiful voice to sing God’s praises.
He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1957. Following graduation, he earned a scholarship to UW-Madison where he completed the farm short course program. Reiny then enlisted in the United States Army National Guard and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge.
Reiny’s passion was music and he taught himself to play several different instruments which included his favorite, the saxophone. While still in school, he fulfilled his dream by starting his first band, which led to a seven-piece polka band called The Reiny Gaedtke Orchestra that played for many summer picnics, county fairs, and countless weddings.
Some of his proudest moments during his 41 year band career was playing music on Sunday afternoon televised shows at The Riverside Ballroom and being able to record an album and cassette.
He was employed at the Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry for 47 years, retiring in 2002.
On September 5, 1965 Reiny married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Zeller of Reedsville. They resided in rural Manitowoc where they raised their 4 children and were also blessed with nine beautiful grandchildren who enjoyed gatherings playing with the animals on their hobby farm. It was always the highlight of the week going to Grandma and Grandpa’s home where they were always greeted by Grandpa with the biggest “hello” and smile, and lots of hugs. You never left Grandpa’s house without him walking you to the door, getting a hug, and waving goodbye from the garage.
Reiny was a compassionate family man whose grandchildren were adored and the light of his life. Survivors include Reiny’s wife of 58 years, Shirley Ann (Zeller) Gaedtke; four children, Ross (Nancy) Gaedtke, De Pere; Reed (Tracy) Gaedtke, Manitowoc; Shawn (Jason) Bergene, Manitowoc; and Ryan (Tammy) Gaedtke, Manitowoc; nine grandchildren, Kaden Gaedtke, Bowen and Rayahna Gaedtke, Shayla, Annaleise and Zane Bergene, and Devon, Isaiah and Elijah Gaedtke; four brothers, Harley, Herman, Rahlan (Mary Jane), Reggie (Phyllis) Gaedtke; sister, Maxine Gates, sisters-in-law, Shirley Gaedtke and Ardella Gaedtke; also many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Reiny was preceded in death by his parents, Reinhardt and Adeline Gaedtke Sr.; two brothers, Jerome and Roman Gaedtke; sister, Geraldine (Harold) Behnke; two sisters-in-law, Carol Gaedtke and Caroline Gaedtke; brother-in-law, Glenn Gates; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gottleib and Leona Zeller; brother-in-law, Herbert (Janetta) Zeller; and sister-in-law, Elaine (Jack) Boehnlein.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 29, 2024 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7531 English Lake Road, Manitowoc. Rev. Micah Martin will officiate with military rites accorded by American Legion Post 88 and burial to follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on Sunday, July 28, 2024 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. The visitation will continue on Monday, July 29, 2024 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Reiny’s name to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran School.
A special thank you to the nurses on the 3rd floor at Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers, especially Jeanna. Also, thank you to the Sharon S. Richardson Hospice, especially Rachel and Shayna. Special thank you to Pastor Martin for all his visits, comfort and care during this difficult time.
Our greatest blessing is that we not only knew him as a man, but we were also honored enough to call him a husband, dad, and grandpa. Reiny’s beautiful singing voice and joyous smile will surely be missed, but never forgotten. You felt special when Grandpa sang happy birthday to you.
God be with you till we meet again.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
