Harry Edwin Reinecke, 96, of Salina, Kansas, passed away Monday, December 5th, 2022.
Harry was born in Kinsley, Kansas on November 12, 1926, to Edna Florence (Strube) and Harry Clifford Reinecke.
Harry served in the United States Army and was a veteran of WWII serving in Manila, Philippines.
On March 3, 1951, Harry married Imogene Mathews in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. To this marriage were born two daughters, Kathy and Ann, and two sons, David and Scott.
In 1961, Harry opened Harry’s Body Shop in Greensburg, Kansas, which he operated until his retirement in 1990. Along with the body shop, Harry ran a wrecker service and to coordinate with the Kiowa County Sheriff, was a deputy with the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office. Harry passed his knowledge of auto body repair and painting on to his sons who both worked for him while growing up.
Harry and Jean enjoyed square dancing and Harry loved playing town team basketball, and was an avid bowler. Harry was a long-time volunteer with the Kiowa County Fire Department serving as Treasurer for many of those years. He loved fishing and hunting and he passed that love on to his sons. Harry helped coach girls’ softball for a few years and got to coach his daughter, Ann. He never missed any of his kids’ or grandson’s school or sports events. Later in life, Harry took up golf and enjoyed golfing with his son, Scott, and his grandson, Alex. He always had time for his kids.
After retirement, Harry taught himself woodworking and over the years created many projects for family and friends and his own enjoyment. He volunteered at the Greensburg High School shop class where he loved helping the kids with their projects.
Harry was an avid reader throughout his life, and especially enjoyed a good western and anything history. Harry loved his family and his community. He always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell. He will be missed.
Survivors include his wife, Imogene Reinecke, Salina, Kansas; two daughters, Kathy Staples (Ron), Salina, Kansas, Ann Rhea, Wichita, Kansas; son, Scott Reinecke (Susan), Salina, Kansas; one grandchild, Alex Reinecke, Manhattan, Kansas, and one great grandchild, Harrison Reinecke.
Harry is preceded in death by his parents; son, David Reinecke; son-in-law, Tom Rhea; and brother, Gary Reinecke.
Cremation has been chosen. Graveside services will take place at a later date.
The family suggests donations to Kiowa County Senior Center or Kiowa County Public Library, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 500 S. Ohio St., Salina, Kansas 67401.