Walter Reinhard Obituary

It is with great sadness that the family of Walter Reinhard, of Fresno, CA announce his passing on Friday, February 8, 2019 at the age of 89.

Walter was born on August 2,1929 in Kerns, Switzerland. He arrived in the United States in January of 1950 and first settled in Bakersfield, CA with his cousin Pius Burch. Shortly thereafter, Walter relocated to Fresno CA, where he would reside until his death. In April of 1950, Walter moved his wife Emma Saliden, of Switzerland, to the U.S. to join him, and the two married in September of 1950. Together they raised their two sons Bruno and Rene.

Walter would go on to open Reinhard's Cabinet Shop in Fresno which he ran along with his sons for over 40 years. He spent many years of his life farming, and this became his main occupation after his retirement from the cabinet business. Walter also enjoyed the time he spent as a founder and active board member for many years at United Security Bank. With the many accomplishments Walter made over the years, his most cherished was his family. He always let them know how much they meant to him and maintained a close relationship with everyone including those who remained in Switzerland, visiting and hosting them often.

Walter is preceded in death by his wife Emma, his parents Walter, Marie and Sofia, as well as 5 of his 8 siblings. He is survived by his son, Bruno and his wife Geneva; son, Rene and his wife Susan; grandson Ryan and his wife Hillary; granddaughter Jaime Reinhard Nunes and her son Riley; granddaughter Candace Zobenica, her husband Kurt and their children Reid and Gabriella; grandson Kevin, his wife Natalie and their children Addison and Melody; sister Hedi Ettlin Reinhard; sister Sofia Wellinger Reinhard; sister Margrit Rey Reinhard, and her husband Klaus.

A celebration of life will be held Monday, March 4 at 11:00 am at the Belmont Country Club, 8253 E. Belmont Ave. Fresno, CA.

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

Published by Fresno Bee on Feb. 27, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Reinhard

5 Entries

Chris Mathys

February 21, 2021

Walter war ein sehr netter und erfolgreicher Mann. Er hat vom Nichts ein ganz erfolgreiches Leben aufgebaut. Ich hatte die Möglichkeit mit ihm als junger Mann zu arbeiten. Er hat mir viele wichtige Lebenserfahrungen gelehrt. Ich vermisse ihn und denke oft daran was er für eine guter Mann war. Ich wei, dass er im Himmel ist und auf uns schaut. Chris Mathys mit Elke Braun

Eliane Stocker-Mutti

March 27, 2019

Herzliche Anteilnahme für meinen lieben Onkel Walti.

Susan Doane

March 4, 2019

I had the pleasure of knowing both Emma and Walter. I used to work at the bank and Walter would stop by my office to say hi. He always had a story to tell about his travels back to Switzerland. He was a kind and generous man. My condolences to his family and friends. We have lost a treasure of a human.

Chris Mathys

March 3, 2019

I met Walter has a 9 year old in Fresno, California. He was hood friends with my parents Guy and Heidi Mathys who also immigrated from
Switzerland in the fifties. Walter was a true role model. I have yet to meet another person that can match is work ethic and skill as a craftsmen. It was an honor to work for him at his cabinet company as a 14 year old boy just entering high school. He taught me to get things done today and don't procrastinate. Walter was one of the last students of the age of guilds. A time when talented young craftsmen would work with one master to learn a building trade. Walter was a master woodworker whose talent had no parallels. He came as a young man still owing his uncle the cost of the flight to come to California. He finished his life as a very successful businessman, farmer and bank board member. Throughout the last 50 years if I was in a pinch or needed his assistance during construction activities or other business matters, he was always willing to give me his time and advice. To this day I live in a house that Walter designed. Walter is truly one of the last vestiges of the golden generation. A man that stood by his word, never asked for a hand-out and worked his way to success beyond the imagination of most people. Wir warden ihnen vermission Walti und du kannst sicher sein das wir denken oft auf dir. Alles gute im Himmel. Chris Mathys.