Obituary for Robert P. "Rip" Reinke

Robert Paul (Rip)Reinke Was born May 18, 1945 in Lacrosse Wisconsin at St Annes hospital to Henry and Irma (Kruse) Reinke. He was a tiny baby that fit in a shoebox and was kept warm behind the wood stove. It’s been a standing joke that his mother wanted to name him Romain - thank goodness his dad won that argument.He was Baptized and Confirmed at St. John's UCC. He was a lifelong member of the church. When he started elementary school at wheatland country school he spoke very little English as he grew up in a German speaking household. He often said he didn’t know why he had to go to school since he was just going to farm. His sister Neva made him go anyway. He went on to graduate from Waukon high school in 1963. All he ever wanted to do was farm and often said that he did chores since he was 5 years old. They farmed with horses until they got their first tractor in the early 1960’s. In 1968 he bought a logging skidder because he was tired of logging with horses. He enjoyed logging and running his skidder. One time he even logged in Texas while on a vacation with friends they had to remove a tree from the road. He finally retired the skidder to his nephew John in 2022. He joined the army national guard in 1967 so that he could be home to run the farm for his parents. He met his wife Sandi Evanson on a blind date at rainbow gardens in the fall of 1968 and they were married on July 25th, 1970 at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran church, Waterville IA. They took over the family farm where they grew corn, alfalfa, oats and beans. They also milked cows, raised hogs, beef and chickens. They welcomed their daughter Stephanie May 7th 1971 she was the apple of her dad’s eye. Their son Daniel arrived May 6th 1975 he was very proud to have a son. Stephanie brought home a city boy Erik who became his son in law. Erik occasionally tried to help him farm but usually just ended up with lots of laughs at Erik’s expense. Dan took over the farm in 2001 and Rip semi-retired (meaning he just didn’t live on the farm anymore). He often joked that his new boss was hard on him and wouldn’t give him any time off. He was an amazing proud grandpa to 5 grandchildren. He loved to play with them and give them four wheeler and tractor rides. He got his nickname Rip from his Uncle Harry Kruse after he crashed his car as a dare devil teenager. Harry said “if you wouldn’t rip snort around so much that wouldn’t have happened” and the name stuck with him the rest of his life. He never lost the dare devil as he aged, still climbing flag poles and trees and driving the skidder on steep hills. He had many friends, loved his country and community, was very involved with his church and Lions club. He always had a smile on his face and hands ready to help anyone in need. He loved to be around people and was always good for a joke or funny story to keep everyone laughing. Deer camp was one of his favorite events of the year. It started when the young boys wanted to hunt so the dads had to go with them. As he got older he “let” the young guys walk the hills while he stayed back to keep the beer cold. When they came back he helped cut up the meat and make his famous kupfvust. On June 29th 2023 he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He fought hard and was winning the battle for a little bit before he got pneumonia. The world got a little dimmer on August 28th when he passed away at 3:30 am with his wife by his side at the Tweeten Nursing home in Spring Grove, MN. He is survived by his wife Sandi, his daughter Stephanie (Erik) Piehl of Carpentersville Il. His son Dan of New Albin Ia. 5 grandchildren Henry and Halle Piehl. Brianna, Nathan and Addison Reinke. Sister Neva Swenson of Chatfield, Mn. Brothers and sister in laws Phyllis and Bob Waters, Jim Evanson, Mary and Bill Bleckwhel, Steve and Sheryl Evanson, David Evanson, Linda and Bob James. Many nieces and nephews. And lots of great friends. Preceded in death by his parents Henry and Irma Reinke, Brother and sister in law Merlin and Esther Reinke, Brother in law Art Swenson, Sister in laws Vicki Evanson, Shirley Evanson and Nancy Evanson. Father and Mother in law Melbourne and Helen Evanson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 1, 2023, at St. John's UCC (Wheatland Church). Pastor Michael McCann will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m., until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at the New Albin Community Center and also from 10:00 a.m., until the time of service, Friday, at the church.

Following the burial a celebration of life will be at the New Albin Community Center where everyone is welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Online condolences may be offered on this site.

Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia is in charge of arrangements.