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Reinke, Rudolph ?Rudy?

Rudolph “Rudy” Reinke, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, was called home by our Lord on Tuesday February 17, 2015. 

Rudy was born March 30, 1927 in Gillett, Wisconsin, to Martha (nee Mueller) and Alfred Reinke. The family moved to Menasha when Rudy was three years old. He and Audrey Miller were united in marriage on August 6, 1955. They had three children. After 46 years of marriage, Audrey passed away in 2001. Rudy then met Joan Papelbon, and they were united in marriage on December 27, 2003. After serving his country in the military at the end of World War II, Rudy started working in the late 1940’s at George Banta as a linotype operator, before he began working at Appleton News Agency (Badger Periodical Distributors), where he worked as Office Manager for 35 years. In addition, Rudy opened and managed Rudy’s Magazine Rack in Menasha, and later, Bookland in Neenah, where he enjoyed getting to know many customers. Rudy was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Menasha for over 60 years, and then of Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Waupaca for the last twenty years. Rudy’s joy and engaging personality was evident to all that crossed his path. He was involved with many outreach activities over the years including serving on an Evangelism Committee, becoming a trained Stephen Minister, leading a Men’s Bible Study, involved in Alpha, volunteering at Ruby’s Pantry with Joan, and visiting and encouraging many people. To friends and strangers alike, Rudy could be heard proclaiming his favorite Bible verse: “This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!” (Psalm 118:24). Rudy was an avid Cubs and Packers fan, and he liked watching professional golf. He especially loved attending live sporting events. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, and reading, especially books on historical subjects. He loved music throughout his life and penned several hymns. 

Rudy is survived by his dear wife Joan, his son Steve (Joan) Reinke, his daughter Laura DeLain (Chris), his granddaughters, Ann, Rebecca, and Elizabeth, and his great-grandson Daniel. He is further survived by Joan’s sons: Greg (Jan) Papelbon, Bruce Papelbon (Diane), Dale Papelbon, Scott (Julie) Papelbon, Chris (Dana) Papelbon, and daughter, Jo Anne Lee; Joan’s grandchildren: Kari, Stacy, Matt, Missy, Eric, Carin, Paige, and Jenny; Joan’s great-grandchildren: Mason, Aiden, Jordan, Noah, Jameson, and Wyatt; and Joan’s sisters, Barbara (Mike) Ploszay and Georgia (Dan) Staben. Rudy is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Marilyn Kloosterman, Cile Hurlbut, Pat Reinke, Nancy Miller and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to Audrey, Rudy was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Arnie and Ken, and his son, Tom. 

A Memorial Service of Celebration will be held on Saturday, February 21 at 11 a.m. at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Waupaca with Pastor Mary Bope officiating. Friends may call at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in Rudy’s name. The Holly Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks for the loving, compassionate care that Rudy received from the many caregivers at Bethany Home in Waupaca.

 
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