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Michael Reiniger Obituary
Michael G. Reiniger, 62, of Chicago, retired music teacher from Evanston school district, beloved brother of Karen, Paul, Gerard, and the late Richard. Visitation at St. Martha Auditorium Chapel 8523 Georgiana Ave. Morton Grove, IL 60053 Monday 10:30 a.m. until time of funeral mass at 12 noon. Interment Massachusetts. Sign online guest book at www.simkinsfh.com. (847) 965-2500
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Reiniger
Stephen Starr
August 31, 2020
I think of Michael often and the innate goodness of this fine man. I feel privileged to have shared 8 years as his companion, enjoying roads trips to hike in nature, looking for antiquities at second hand shops and enjoying morning breakfast on his patio in Edgewater. Michael nurtured his spirit and blessed the earth in the 62 years he was here. I am most grateful to have known him.
Pete Sattler
September 19, 2015
To the Reiniger Family: Please accept our humble condolences. My daughters absolutely loved working with "Mr. Reiniger" on shows at Orrington Elementary and the parents loved attending.
He gave us all a lot, bringing both fun and musical enrichment to hundreds and hundreds of children.
While it's a sad loss, he left a wonderful legacy and will be warmly remembered by so many.
The Barson & Sattler Family
September 15, 2015
My deep condolences on the passing of a truly wonderful man. Mr. Reiniger was a loving, caring, nurturing presence at Orrington School for many years. My two younger children had their joy in and love of music greatly enhanced from Mr. Reiniger's enthusiasm and excitement in teaching music. Sending gentle thoughts and loving prayers to his family, and to all who mourn his passing.
Elizabeth Jones and family
Ann, Jim and Emma Zastrow
September 13, 2015
Mr. Reiniger was an energetic and beloved presence at Orrington Elementary School. His love for music and his dedication to teaching inspired so many children. We are truly sorry for your loss.
Jori Witt
September 8, 2015
To the Reininger Family: Our children were blessed to be in Mr. Reininger's music classes at Orrington Elementary. We will fondly remember all of the musicals and holiday performances that he put together. His dedication to the students and passion for music will be remembered by many families.
Jean Terrien
September 8, 2015
Mr. Reiniger was such an inspiration for my son Preston and the other children at Orrington School. He held early morning chorus rehearsals for the children who were interested in singing, and those early morning sessions instilled a love of choral music that has been life-changing for Preston. I am so sorry to hear about his death, and we send condolences to the Reiniger family.
Louise Savoy
September 8, 2015
Pam and Gerry and family, sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers Sincerely Louise
Mindy DeStefano
September 8, 2015
The DeStefano family send their deepest sympathies to the Reiniger family. Michael Reiniger brought so much kindness and compassion to his teaching of music at Orrington. His patience with the children and his genuine love of music will never be forgotten.
September 8, 2015
Gerry and family,
Our deepest and sincerest sympathy. May happy memories shared throughout the years help to ease the pain of your sorrow. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Your friends at Sudbury Design Group
Earl Studivan
September 8, 2015
I went to school with Michael in Maynard, MA from 3rd grade until we graduated in 1971. Michael was always a smart, quiet, but happy person who was always focused on his music and personal thoughts. I had spoken to Michael when he retired at the end of the school year and he seemed to be looking forward to retirement, but also would miss his teaching and the kids. Sure everyone will miss him. Sure he's found a new band to play in and a new group of students to teach. RIP my friend. Earl Studivan Class of 71.
Carolyn Kuttan
September 8, 2015
Michael Reiniger was a dedicated teacher at Orrington School and my kids have fond memories of his classes, chorus and especially the holiday productions he tirelessly put together. He will be missed!
Donna and Nick Agnew
September 7, 2015
To the Reiniger Family: We are very sorry for your loss. Mr. Reiniger was an inspiration to the many children he taught music too Orrington Elementary in Evanston. Though his presence will be missed, his passion for music will live on thru the many kids and people he came in contact with.
Jennifer Gilbert
September 7, 2015
Michael was a member of the Living Circle with me, a beautiful interfaith prayer and meditation group. He was always so thoughtful and considerate, giving me many rides home after services because I was too poor to have my own car and he didn't want me taking the el after dark. I will especially remember the service we had when the group was slowly dissolving, and less and less members showed up. Mike and I were the only ones who were there that Friday evening; I figured we'd just skip the service and go out to eat. Mike said no, that two people were more than enough to pray, and then he led the service. I was going through some trying times and needed the extra prayer, meditation, friendship, and personal insight that I gained that night. I'm sorry I haven't been in touch lately and found out about all of this so late. Even though I haven't seen Michael for years now, it's hard to believe someone so kind and wonderful died in so horrific a way, and that I'll never see him again. Love to all of his family and friends, especially the friends we shared. Every night from now on, I will talk to Michael in heaven.
Directing Orrington Chorus at Young Evanston Artists, May 15, 2010
Dave Borland
September 7, 2015
Kalpana Waikar
September 7, 2015
My kids loved having you as their music teacher at Orrington Elementary. You will be missed.
Susan Knight
September 6, 2015
Michael was a passionate and spiritual person whose life is celebrated by all of the children and families to whom he brought the joy of music. He inspired so many young people across D-65 and through his involvement with EISMA (Evanston In-School Music Association - http://www.eismaconcerts.org/) where world music is brought to every child in Evanston schools. He will be missed......
Stephen Starr
September 6, 2015
I send my deepest sympathy to Michael's family and friends. Michael was a man of great passion for life... for nature, history, art, geology, world travel, music, spirituality. The world is a better place for the many lives he touched including hundreds of music students and his many connections in Chicago through AGLO, Dignity, The Living Circle, EISMA and on. Michael was a significant presence in my life in my early days in Chicago and I am grateful for the many ways we connected. I will never forget our hikes in beautiful state parks and his uncanny ability to readily find arrowheads in river beds. I am lucky to have learned much about the geology of the Chicago area, despite the fact Michael was a native of Massachusetts. Now he is one with all of nature which he so deeply loved.
Simkins Funeral Home
September 6, 2015
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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