Edward "Ted" Reinemann

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edward “Ted/Teddy” Reinemann, and with rejoicing hearts that we share he reached his heavenly home on November 26, 2025.

Ted was born on April 11, 1938, in Manitowoc to Clifford and Marjorie (Wintermantle) Reinemann. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John-St. James Lutheran Church in Reedsville, where he remained a faithful member throughout his life, serving in various capacities including Church Council, Building and Grounds Committee and the Usher Team. His unwavering faith brought him joy in the Lord’s Prayer, strength in Scripture and peace in the promise of eternal life.

A 1956 graduate of Reedsville High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Feed Technology from Kansas State University in 1961. He returned home to apply his knowledge to the family business, Reinemann & Sons feed mills, taking over management in 1966. He operated it with grit and integrity, serving the agricultural community of Manitowoc County where many customers became friends. In 1985, he partnered with his son, Paul, the fifth generation of Reinemanns to run the Reedsville feed mill. It is fitting that he died in peace at the place with his name on the building, where he still went to work every day; not because he had to, but because it was part of who he was.

Ted gave generously of his time to his community, serving on the Reedsville Village Board for 41 years, including 37 years as President. He also served on the boards of the Reedsville Manor and the Reedsville State Bank and held the role Vice-President for a time. He was a Reedsville Jaycee and earned the Key Man Club Award for unselfish service.

He met the love of his life, Dianne Detjen, on a blind date and they were married on November 24, 1962, at Grace Lutheran in Manitowoc. They shared nearly 58 years together before her passing on September 30, 2020.

A lifelong learner, Ted spent some of his spare time researching things he was curious about, keeping up on current events, and studying maps. His passion for aviation led him to obtain his pilot’s license and he was a proud member of the EAA. He had a mechanical mind and always found a solution to fix anything. He had an appreciation for music and enjoyed attending concerts, especially those with a Christian message. He also avidly supported his K-State Wildcats and was a member of the Alumni Association.

He valued meeting people and getting to know them. If you could somehow get him to talk about himself, you might hear a story of how he drove from Kansas to California in his VW bug just because he wanted to see the ocean, or the time he water skied the entire length of Lake Winnebago, or how he lovingly restored his ’57 Chevy, taking it to car shows where it was more about the camaraderie of visiting with others than it was about the cars. He enjoyed being a member of the Classic Chevy Club of Wisconsin and taking Dianne “cruisin’ in the Chevy”.

Some of Ted’s favorite memories were of time spent at the family cottage on Lake Winnebago and in his early married years, at the cottage on the water in Fish Creek. He shared the fun of boating with his family and friends and taught many of them how to water ski. He will also be remembered for his dedication to the upkeep of his childhood home where he lived most of his life. The lawn and garden were always meticulously kept, another testament to his hard work and attention to detail.

Ted’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was unendingly proud of his children and grandchildren and always took interest in their lives and accomplishments. He would frequently send thoughtful texts or just check in to see how you were doing, could often be found at ball games cheering on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and never missed a chance to gather for any occasion.

Throughout his earthly journey of 87 years, he lived his values every day through selfless acts of service and quiet kindness, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was humble, dependable and had strength, faith and wisdom that others relied on.

Ted will be greatly missed by his four children: Paula (Steve) Petzke, Suamico, their children, Ryan (Mikayla) – daughter Madilyn, and Rachel (special friend Dennis Manty) – son Lucas Edward; Paul Edward (Sandy) Reinemann, Reedsville, their children, Nikki, Kurt (Morgan) – children Lydia, Maverick and Navy, and James (Shawna) – children Natalie, Johnlee Edward and Ellianna; Mark (Shelley) Reinemann, Hortonville, their children, Andrew (Sara) – daughter Ada, Mitchell (special friend Amanda Steinburg) and Ross Edward; Crystal (Nick) Berg, Abrams, their children Logan Edward, Mason and Kaylee. His loss will also be deeply felt by his sister, Judy Reinemann Cain, Bigfork, MT, as well as countless friends and neighbors.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is reunited in heaven with his in-laws, Milton and Dorothy Detjen, brother-in-law, Alan Cain, and sister-in-law, Donna Reimer.

Visitation will take place Sunday, December 14th from 1 – 5 PM and Monday, December 15th, from 9 – 11 AM followed by the funeral service at 11AM, at St. John-St. James Lutheran Church, Manitowoc Street, Reedsville. Pielhop Funeral Homes in Reedsville and Brillion are assisting the family.

In remembrance of Dad’s life and love for the church, the family requests no flowers. Memorial contributions will be used for much needed wish list items at St. John-St. James Lutheran Church and School.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Reedsville First Responders, Valders Ambulance Services, and Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Department for their care and support.