"Dick Reinke was already volunteering at the Arboretum when I started as the volunteer coordinator in 2002. I was impressed with his dedication to the Longenecker Gardens and concern for his fellow volunteers. He will be missed."
In loving memory of
Richard Owen Reinke
September 29, 1945 - November 14, 2017
Richard ("Dick") Owen Reinke, 72, passed away on November 14th, 2017 at home in Madison, WI. He was born on September 29th, 1945, to Frederick Reinke and Jeanne Owen Reinke. Dick grew up in Clintonville, WI, and graduated from Clintonville High School (Go Truckers!) in 1963. After high school he attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where he received a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. He continued his studies at the University of Wisconsin where he received a Master of Arts in English and then the University of Indiana where he received a Master of Science in Education. He began his teaching career at Madison LaFollette High School, where he met his future wife Martha "Marty" Volk in 1972. That year he also accepted a position at Sun Prairie High School where he taught English for over 25 years. Dick was a volunteer at the UW Arboretum Longenecker Gardens since 1975, an active member of the Clean Lakes Alliance, a political advocate, and a lifelong student, still taking classes at UW Madison this current semester. He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed reading, gardening, writing letters to the editor and public representatives, and composing poems satirical and otherwise on his countless subjects of interest. Dick is survived by his daughter Jennifer (Tim) Dreyer of Cambridge, WI; his nephews Brent (Bridget) Nimz and Karl (Sandy) Reinke; and nieces Brenda (Kevin) Wishau and Brooke (John) Rusfeldt, their children, and cherished friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his wife Martha Volk Reinke; his parents; brother William Reinke, sister Barbara Nimz, and nephew Brad Nimz.
A visitation will be held at Cress Funeral Service, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, from 10:00 a.m until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2017.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the UW Arboretum, the Clean Lakes Alliance and Wisconsin Public Radio.
Tributes
"He was one of the nicest people I ever met and was always good to me at the Arboretum. Being the youngest I always felt a little left out but he was always willing to talk. I never realized how much I valued his words, kindness, and poetry until now and I hope he's happy and still doing everything he loves. "
"I had Mr. Reinke as a teacher in the late 1990's and remember him fondly. His classes were always interesting and he kept us engaged. He made the best silly faces and noises! Rest well. Tracy (Mahoney) Quamme, SP class of 1998"
"I had him for a class and really enjoyed the way he taught, never got a chance to see him after High School. RIP Mr. Reinke John Holmes SP Class of 1981"
"I remember him fondly from his English class. Because of him, I learned a great deal about the mechanics of the English language! Thanks for your service, Mr. R! Sending prayers for peace and comfort for the family. "
"Mr. Reinke was one of my favorite teachers in my least favorite class, English. Mr Reinke had a way of making learning fun. Although I never saw him after I left HS, I want his family to know how much of an impact he had for me! He will always be someone I'll remember for his wit and making his class bearable for me. My condolences to his family. Tim Wiesner SP class of 1977 RIP Mr Reinke"
"What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us --- Helen Keller From: Jim & Rea Dahm"