May 20, 1935 – January 24, 2026
Charles “Chuck” Anthony Reineke, of Spring Valley, Minn., passed away on January 24, 2026, at the age of 90.
Born in Graceville, Minn., on May 20, 1935, he was the eldest of six children to Anton August Reineke and Ruth Dorothy (Bigalke) Reineke.
In 1956, at the age of 21, Chuck joined the United States Army and served for two years during peacetime. After completing basic training at Fort Bliss near El Paso, Tex., he was stationed at the Savanna River Defense Area, located 25 miles southeast of Augusta, Ga., and assigned to Battery B, 425th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion as a Fire Control Crewman to provide site defense for a Department of Energy nuclear site. He earned the rank of Sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1958.
On August 29, 1959, Chuck married Jane Frances Woida in Urbank, Minn. They settled in Spring Valley, Minn., where they raised nine children. As a father, he instilled in his children the importance of a strong work ethic and held high expectations for them, emphasizing the importance of education. He was especially proud that all nine of his children graduated from college, saying “At least, they can’t take that away from you.”
Chuck worked for more than 35 years as a mechanic, foreman, and heavy equipment operator for local road construction companies and rock quarries. He was a dedicated member of the St. Ignatius Parish for over 60 years, where he served on the building committee, was trustee and an usher. Chuck enjoyed spending time with his family, especially during their Sunday afternoon card games. He found relaxation in watching his favorite Westerns, including John Wayne movies and the “Gunsmoke” series.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jane; and their children: Thomas (Karen) Reineke of Lino Lakes, Minn., Victor Reineke of Rochester, Minn., Mark (Jodie) Reineke of Bossier City, La.; Richard Reineke of St. Peters, Mo.; Myron (Laurie) Reineke of Lansing, Kans.; Michael (Tonya) Reineke of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., Dwayne (Kelly) Reineke of West Des Moines, Iowa; Diane Reineke of St. Paul, Minn., and Philip (Kathy) Reineke of Lexington Park, Md. He is also survived by his brothers Raymond of Wheaton, Minn., and David of Parkers Prairie, Minn., as well as 19 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Leon, Anthony and James; and his grandson Anthony.
A visitation, beginning with the rosary, was held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Hindt Funeral Home in Spring Valley and from 10-10:45 a.m. Thursday, February 5, 2026, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial took place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, with burial to follow at St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Saint Ignatius Parish.
Online condolences may be left at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com.
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