William Reinecke

The family of William L. "Bill" Reinecke, age 86 of Lancaster, regretfully announce his death on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, grateful that he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife and family at Manor Care in Platteville. He was born October 31, 1930, the son of David and Laura (Turner) Reinecke. He was a man of his generation, growing up during the Great Depression. Bill graduated from Potosi High School, and furthered his education at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa with a degree in Economics. He enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return stateside, Bill then attended University of Wisconsin Madison, where he received his Law Degree. In April of 1967, he realized one of his life's dreams when he was sworn in as Judge of Grant County, a role that defined him for the rest of his life. He was united in marriage to his loving and devoted wife Eleanor S. "Ele" Cook on July 10, 1982. He was a member of the Potosi Fire Department and Potosi State Bank Board of Directors. He enjoyed time spent golfing, fishing, hunting, boating, and playing a good game of euchre. He is best known by his family for his caring love of them.

He leaves a large and loving family who will miss his presence in their lives including his loving wife, Eleanor; his children Beth (Mitch) Hochhausen, David (Kim), Mark (Tammy), Mike (Laura) Reinecke, Faye (Dan) Patzner, Tim (Rhonda) and Tom (Angie) Reinecke; his stepchildren, Dawn Lomas, Fred (Heidi), and Todd (Kim) Yocum; 30 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; his sister, Mary Langkamp, and a brother-in-law, Mert Kaiser.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his son, Paul; sister Jane Kaiser; and brother-in-law, LeRoy Langkamp.

Funeral services were held on Saturday July 1, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster, with Rev. John Sasse officiating. Burial was in the St. Clement Cemetery. Family and friends called on Saturday, July 1, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster, is assisting the family. In lieu of plants and flowers a William L. Reinecke memorial fund has been established.