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Jim Reineke died the sunny morning of Thursday, November 19, 2020, at his farm surrounded by his family. James Martin Reineke was born on October 23, 1947, at home in rural Barry, Minnesota to the late Anton & Ruth (Bigalke) Reineke. He was baptized and confirmed in the Roman Catholic faith. During his school-aged years his family relocated various times throughout the Traverse County, Minnesota area. He attended and graduated from Wheaton High School in the class of 1965. Following graduation, he moved to Henning.
On August 31, 1968 Jim was united in marriage with JoAnn Wangerin at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Henning. They made their home in Folden Township buying the Elder Hagen Farm in the spring of 1969. Their marriage was blessed with a daughter, Jacqueline, in 1984.
Throughout the years Jim was employed by Northwood Company, Burgess Road Construction, F.R. Steuart Plumbing & Heating, and Volden Construction while farming part time. In the early 1990s he transitioned to full time farming. He was a member of the American Angus Association, proudly raising Registered Black Angus cattle and selling registered bulls to local farmers. He actively farmed until selling the cattle in November 2019 and the equipment auction in June 2020.
Jim was an active member of St. Edward’s Catholic church since he moved to Henning in 1965. He served on the parish council, and as a lector, eucharistic minister, and usher for over 40 years. He was proudly part of the construction group who removed the steeple cross from the former church building and raised it to its spot at the new church location, as well as design and build the new bell tower.
While Jim didn’t take a lot of time for hobbies, he was a charter member of the Henning Jaycees, keeping their creed, “Faith in God gives purpose and meaning to human life” very close to his heart. He served on the Folden Township board. He enjoyed a good game of whist, a cup of coffee in town, an afternoon of ice fishing, or a cold brandy. He enjoyed rifle deer hunting, teaching Jackie to hunt, and attending her school activities. He was the rough and tough guy with a huge heart and never hesitated to roll up his sleeves and help anyone who asked.
Jim attempted relaxation when he and JoAnn purchased a cabin on East Battle Lake. He liked taking rides in the boat and pontoon. He was able to fulfil his lifelong goal of traveling to Alaska when they went with their dear friends in the summer of 2019. Jim & JoAnn celebrated both their 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries by hosting large parties of food and live music with family and friends.
The addition of his grandchildren, Henry James in 2016, and Eleanor Mae in 2018, gave him renewed joy. He was so proud of them and told everyone about them. They were the light of his life as he gave them endless rides in the tractor, gator, and skid steer.
He is survived by his wife: JoAnn of 52 years; daughter: Jacqueline (Lee) Hoyhtya of St. Joseph, Minnesota; 2 grandchildren: Henry and Eleanor; mother-in-law: June Wangerin of Henning, Minnesota; brothers: Charles (Jane) of Spring Valley, Minnesota; Anthony (Norma) of Vining, Minnesota; Raymond of Wheaton, Minnesota; and David of Parkers Prairie, Minnesota; sister-in-law: Annella of Henning, Minnesota; numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. His dog, Kirby, was always by his side.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother: Leon; sister-in-law: Becky; nephew: Paul; great-nephew: Anthony; and father-in-law: Lawrence Wangerin.
The Reineke family extends their deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported them during this time. A sincere note of appreciation to Dr. Dylan Folkestad, Dr. Wade Swenson, and registered nurse, Ayesha Bhogadia.
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