Raymond W. Reinke

Ray was born December 5, 1934, to Elmer and Martha Grothe Reinke, in Rosemount, MN, where he grew up and attended school. Shortly after he graduated from high school Ray was drafted and served in the U.S. Army. He married his wife, Jackie Thorud on July 9, 1960, in St. Paul, MN. Together they made their home in Rosemount where Ray later became the Mayor. In 1974 Ray and Jackie settled in Hawley. For many years Ray was the Business Agent for the Operating Engineers Local 49, Heavy Equipment Operators. He enjoyed helping others, especially his neighbors. He also liked getting together with his buddies and visiting over coffee every morning at Cenex, but most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Ray was known to have said to everybody he knew at least once "I don't want to tell you what to do but…"Ray is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jackie; daughter, Karen Curt Alm; sons, Kevin Jess and Dan Julie; grandchildren, Ashley Trevor, Matthew, Brittney Alex, Mason and Austin; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Glenn Joan Reinke; sister, Lavera Larson, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents.