Kenneth A. Reinke

Ken Reinke, age 74, passed away on October 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on February 10, 1952, to Frank and Jeanette Reinke. He grew up in North Fond du Lac and graduated from Horace Mann High School in 1970.

Ken was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and neighbor. He and his loving wife, Ann (Merkel) Reinke, were married on October 11, 1974, and shared nearly 51 years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, friendship, and many wonderful memories. Ken took tremendous pride in his children and grandchildren and cherished the time they spent together.

Ken began his railroad career in April 1971 with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. He continued his career with Union Pacific Railroad following the transition in 1995. After 41 years of dedicated service to the railroad, Ken retired on August 31, 2012.

Golf was one of Ken’s lifelong passions. Whether he was playing a round himself or watching a tournament on television, he had a true appreciation for the game. Over the years, he had the opportunity to attend major golf events at Whistling Straits, including the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup. One of his most memorable accomplishments on the course came in 1999, when he recorded a hole-in-one at Oakgreen Golf Course.

Ken also found great satisfaction in taking care of his home and especially enjoyed cutting his lawn. A freshly mowed lawn was a simple pleasure that brought him a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Above all, family meant everything to Ken. He treasured time with his grandchildren and enjoyed keeping up with their lives and activities. He also had a special place in his heart for his granddogs, Bella, Violet, Brewer, and Otis, and loved spending time playing with them.

Ken valued the many years spent with his favorite neighbors, the Mrozinskis. Whether sharing conversation, plenty of laughs, or competing in countless games of driveway basketball over the years, those friendships and memories held a special place in Ken’s heart.

Throughout his battle with cancer, Ken faced each challenge with strength, determination, and perseverance. He was surrounded and supported by the family and friends who meant so much to him, and their presence provided comfort and strength throughout his journey.

Ken was a member of Holy Family Catholic Community.

Ken is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ann, and their three children and their families: Melissa (Reinke) Petrie and her husband, Jim, and their children, Nick, Max, and Jayden; Brad Reinke and his wife, Katie, and their son, Ben; and Kevin Reinke and his wife, Jenni, and their children, Kameron, Amelia, Lila, and Oliver.

Ken is also survived by his brothers, Jim (Barb) Reinke of Duluth, Minnesota, and Tom Reinke of Fond du Lac; his twin sister, Kathy Reinke-Kocos of Fond du Lac; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, relatives, lifelong friends, neighbors, and former coworkers whose friendships enriched his life.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Jeanette Reinke; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Catherine and Ben Merkel; his sisters-in-law, Margaret Reinke and Marlene Freville; his brother-in-law, Joel Kroll; and his beloved granddog, Bentley.

Ken will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his love of golf, his strong work ethic throughout a long railroad career, and the friendships he formed along the way. Most of all, his family will hold close the laughter, stories, traditions, and countless moments they were fortunate to share with him.

The visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church, Holy Family Parish, 200 South Peters Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11:00 AM. Entombment will follow at Chapel of the Risen Christ Mausoleum, Calvary Cemetery. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ken Reinke’s name to the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation supporting cancer care.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Michael Jones and the SSM Cancer Center for their care and compassion.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com