Barbara M. Reinke

Barbara Maria Josephine Reinke, age 83, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024 at Sheboygan Senior Community. She was born in Hochkretscham Kr. Leobschuetz Silesia, Germany to the late Johann Muecke and Lucie (Cappek) Reitspiess. She attended Volkschule Schwarzenhammer Germay Tradeschool in Marienheim Obertrubach, Germany, and graduated in June 1955. She came to the United States on September 7, 1957 with her three brothers. She married the love of her life, John Reinke, Sr., on January 1, 1992 at Salem Plankroad UCC. 

Barbara was known to her family and friends as having a generous and kind personality, always giving back to her family and community and putting others before herself. She raised her children John, Daniel and Sylvia while working at a variety of businesses in their community, including Passini Cheese Factory, Wigwam Mills, Big Boy, Thonet Ind, and Lear Inc., where she met her husband, John. After years of raising her family and working hard, she was able to retire in October 2001. John and Barb spent many happy years together traveling, flee marking and doing historic research. During this time they made many new friends. Barbara was a devoted Catholic at heart, and attended mass regularly with her family. She was also a member of the Concordia Singing Society and “Dank” German American National Kongress. Above all, Barbara loved her family and friends, and will be deeply missed by her community. The world can use more people like Barbara.

Barbara is survived by her children John Sircel, Daniel (Lori) Sircel, and Sylvia (Rob Melon) Sircel, her brothers Herby and Gary Muecke, and her half-sister Hilda (Peter) Kattner.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband John Reinke Sr., brothers Walter and Dieter Muecke, and sisters-in-law Patty, Judith and Ann Muecke.

The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff at Sheboygan Senior Community, who cared for Barbara in her final years. They truly became family to her. 

A funeral service will take place on June 22, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at Ballhorn Chapels, 1201 N. 8th St. in Sheboygan, with Deacon Mike Burch officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. A private burial will take place following the service.