"Martha Volk and I were best friends before kindergarten, and we lost touch when she went to Wisconsin High School and I went to West High School. She will be missed. So sad! Karen Weatherwax Miller"
In loving memory of
Martha "Marty" Reinke
May 14, 1942 - March 2, 2014
MADISON - Martha ("Marty") Volk Reinke, 71, passed away on March 2, 2014 at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI. She was born on May 14, 1942, in Madison, WI to Wayne N. Volk and Dorcas Rewey Volk. Martha grew up in Shorewood Hills, WI. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin High School in Madison in 1960. After high school she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she received a B.A. in International Relations. Awarded an NDEA fellowship, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison Library School where she received an M.A. She worked at Madison LaFollette High School as the high school librarian where she worked for 32 years. Martha married Richard Reinke in 1972 in Madison, WI. They were happily married for 42 years. Martha was a member of the Madison Herb Society, the Madison Knitter's Guild, and Team Survivor Madison. She enjoyed gardening and reading-- mostly mystery novels in which the protagonist was a woman detective with a keen eye and exceptional reasoning skills. Martha is survived by her husband Richard of Madison,WI; her daughter Jennifer Dreyer (Tim) of Madison, WI; her mother Dorcas Rewey Volk; her brother Timothy W. Volk (Ulla); her sister Nancy D. Volk; and Andrew M. Volk (Alicia), nephews and nieces Andreas Volk, Amy Melendez, Abby Neuberg and their families. She was preceded in death by her father Wayne Volk.
A visitation will be held Saturday, March 8, 2014 at Cress Funeral Home (3610 Speedway Rd, Madison, WI 53705) from 11am-1pm, followed by a Memorial Service at 1pm with Pastor Carly Kuntz officiating. A luncheon will follow immediately after the Memorial Service.
Donations can be made in Martha's name to any of the aforementioned organizations.
Tributes
"I just met Marty last fall at a few Herb Society events. She was so joyful and I sensed her desire to enjoy every moment to its fullest. Very inspiring! "
"I met Marty eleven years ago at Team Survivor. We shared many talks, practices, festivals, yoga classes and musings about our beloved pets. She will be missed. "
"I met Marty at the Sow's Ear where a small group of us meet once a week to knit and chat. I looked forward to seeing what she was working on because she always selected beautiful yarns and unique patterns. She was an expert knitter. I looked forward to seeing her and will miss her quiet, thoughtful manner. She never complained and seemed to meet each new challenge with courage and as part of living with cancer."
"I met Marty almost 10 years ago she won me with her big smile and heart. She introduce me to team survivor she was a very loving person we have done lots of trips to Chicago what a fun it was She was a great teacher not by telling but by doing she loved nature,children,animals and she was the only one I knew who will name her car I hope Jan,Dick,and Nancy finds peace and know that she loved them all very much "
"I was blessed to share stories about our families and our common students when being present in the LMC at La Follette High School. Marty always had a smile, and a positive outlook on all we shared. She and I both mentored the Lancer students for 32 years. May God Bless that your family find peace in your heartfelt loss of Mary's humor, smile and life."
"I knew Marty through the Madison Herb Society, where she was on the Board of Directors. In the midst of her recent cancer treatment she took on the yeoman's job of coordinating --and making most of the herbal products that we sell at our annual Herb Faire in November of each year. She said doing this work helped give her a focus. Throughout the cancer treatments she was a bright shining light, with thoughtful comments and a sensitivity to others. She was also cheerful and smiling- in short she was AMAZING! She was very positive example of living with cancer, and I salute her for that. She will always be a role model to me of how to deal with adversity with grace and continue living to the fullest! My prayers go out to Richard and Jen and their families. "
"Jen and Richard--to you and your family I send my deepest sympathy. It has been my joy and privilege to know Marty through MHS and her joy in herbs and gardening. Her ever present smile and sparkling eyes even in her illness was so heartwarming as was her friendship and giving character. She showed real courage in the face of her cancer and was an example of living with the disease rather than just dying from it. I will treasure our times together. May you find peace in this difficult time and be comforted with warm memories as well as knowing so many people hold you in their thoughts. Take care, Bonnie Kulke"
"I taught with Marty's husband Dick for many moons. My wife and I knew Marty via this relationship. Dick and Marty dedicated an enormous amount of time mentoring students in the true sense of the word. Dick: may you surround yourself with family, friends, and memories. Marty: may you rest in peace. Our thoughts are with all."
"Marty was the best next-door neighbor one could ask for and we'll miss her dearly. We shared plants and garden tips and watched each other's pets over the years--Ruby and Winston are thanking her from dog heaven and Chase the whippet will miss her friendly welcomes (in spite of his decidedly unfriendly attitude toward Max the cat). Rest in peace, Marty."
"I worked with Marty in the library at La Follette High School. We both enjoyed sharing stories about our cats and our trips to northern Wisconsin."