In Memory of John "JR" Reineke

John “JR” Reineke, age 74, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2020, at the Morningside Care Center of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Visitation to celebrate the life of JR will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, July 24, 2020, at the Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks are strongly encouraged and social distancing rules will apply. The Christensen - Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com.

John “JR” Joseph Reineke, the son of Henry and Katie (Tucek) Reineke, was born on August 9, 1945, in Ida Grove, Iowa. He grew up on the farm and received his education at Ida Grove High School. In 1963, JR enlisted into the Army National Guard. Upon his honorable discharge he returned home to help his mother on the farm.

On September 25, 1965, JR was united in marriage to Judy Meyer in Schleswig, Iowa. The couple was blessed with a son, Rick. The family moved to Newell, Iowa, where JR was employed as a farm hand. They then moved to Rembrandt, Iowa, where JR worked at a local elevator. JR and Judy eventually parted ways.

In 1977, JR moved back to Ida Grove and began working for Jack Baker as a mason. When he retired from laying bricks, he mowed lawns and scooped snow during the winter. JR met Cheryl Klein in 1981 and welcomed Cheryl’s daughter, Patty, into his life. The couple were later blessed with a daughter, Kay. JR and Cheryl would later part ways but would always remain good friends.

JR enjoyed spending time with his friends and shooting pool with them. In 2005 he suffered a stroke and a year later became a resident of Morningside Care Center where he was currently residing at the time of his passing.

Left to cherish his memory include his son Rick (Peggy) Reineke of Spencer, IA; daughter Kay Truman of Ida Grove, IA; special friend Cheryl Klein of Ida Grove, IA; stepdaughter Patty (Troy) Harper of Fort Dodge, IA; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brothers Jim (Lori) Reineke of Kansas and Fred (Donna) Reineke of Sigourney, IA; sister Caroline “Carol” Scanlan of Cottonwood, AZ; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Katie Reineke; brother-in-law Tom Scanlan.