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WILBERT E. "WIB" REINKING

1924 - 2020

WILBERT E. "WIB" REINKING obituary, 1924-2020, Fort Wayne, IN

BORN

1924

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – Highland Park

2403 East Wallen Road

Fort Wayne, Indiana

WILBERT REINKING Obituary

WILBERT E. "WIB" REINKING, 95, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2020, after a brief illness. Born in Fort Wayne on Sept. 14, 1924, he was a son of the late Martha Bieberich and William Reinking. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was on the USS Butler off the coast of Normandy on D-Day. He has been featured in several Fort Wayne newspaper articles about veterans. After the war, he earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering, married Nyra Ruckman in 1950, worked as a civil engineer two years in Toledo, Ohio, then in Fort Wayne where he permanently settled. He had been in the Honor Guard at the American Legion, a regular blood donor having given over 22 gallons and was a daily fixture at the YMCA. He is survived by Sandy (Paul) Leinhos of Denver, Debra (Peter Rothschild) Reinking of Aptos, Calif., Mark Reinking, of Mason, Ohio, and Dawn Reinking of Indianapolis; eight grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his wife Nyra; brothers, Alvin, Lester and Norman Reinking; and sisters, Lucille Bunt and Marcella Kelble; and a grandson, David Leinhos. Due to the pandemic, service will be conducted at a later date. In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials are to North Scipio United Methodist Church, POB 111, Harlan (IN 47273). Blood donations in his honor are welcomed.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Apr. 19, 2020.

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Steve and Lee Burris

May 5, 2020

Wilburt had a sparkle in his eyes that conveyed his love of life! He was the shining light that welcomed us when we saw him at the Lehman YMCA as he would slip us one of his trademarks, a Hershey's Kiss or Hershey's Hug, with a smile. Another one of his trademarks was his WWII cap. He was a proud American and a brave Veteran with many stories that went with that cap. Thank you Dear Friend for reminding us that every day is a gift and we should never give up by doing all the good we can, to all those we can, in all the ways can. We will miss you greatly but will see you again!

Paul Griswold

April 25, 2020

I always looked forward to seeing Wilbert at the YMCA. For years Wilbert was there with a smile, a (Hershey's) kiss for my wife and a piece of chocolate (a Hershey's kiss) for me. When he found out my wife liked licorice he brought her bags of licorice candy. He inspired so many people at the Y. He was so much fun to talk to before and after class. I can't put into words what a wonderful person Wilbert was. We will miss him greatly.

April 23, 2020

Growing up, I always remember Uncle Wib bringing us huge bags of fortune cookies from his time in Chicago and how my Grandma used to say Wib looked a lot like my Grandpa, his brother. A few years ago he was kind enough to let my son interview him about his time in the service and his D-Day experience--what a life he had and what a blessing it was to learn more about him. More importantly, what a comfort it is to know Great Uncle Wib rests with his Savior! Until the trumpet call...

Lynda Gevers

April 21, 2020

We first met about 6 or 7 years ago. I was watching a class for the second time at the Y. He was in the class and noticed me Peering in from the doorway. The next day he stopped me walking down the hall and said that I needed to try the class, if he could do it, so could I. After all, he said Im going oAfter all, he said Im going on 90 years old, How bad could it be! So, He took me to his back corner of the room and I have been dancing since on land, in water etc. We talked over the years often and both went to the new Y when it opened. This man was the most humble, sweet caring man ever! Godspeed, my friend.

April 20, 2020

Our entire Enhance Fitness class will miss him! He always got my weights and gave me an extra (Hershey's) kiss on Fridays. The JRL Y will be missing his special presence when we reopen... Godspeed, Wilbert... well done, thou good and faithful servant! <3

Vicki Beerbower

April 20, 2020

Wilbert was always warm and friendly, whether he was at Church or the grocery store. He gave little gifts to my son. Thankfully, I know that he is with our Father.

Susan Walls

April 20, 2020

Wilbert was such a wonderful sight at the YMCAs. His "Kisses" (chocolate candies) were a delight. He donated many of his civil engineering books to Indiana Tech and made sure I got my Kroger coupons! He will be greatly missed.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – Highland Park

2403 East Wallen Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825

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