Beverly J. Reinke

Beverly Reinke, age 88 of Appleton, went to join her husband Armand, in heaven, on Thursday, September 16, 2021.  She was born in Green Bay on September 29, 1929, to the late John A. Peterson and Helen (Clowry) Peterson.  Bev graduated from Marion High School in 1951, and then went to cosmetology school and became a beautician.  After a few years, she took some time off to raise her family. When Tom started school, she went to work for Sears, Roebuck, and Co. where she stayed for twenty-nine years.  She was known for her dedicated service, sales competitions, and her sincere desire to help others. While there, Jan Gugala, Shirley Stier, and Beverly became best friends.

Beverly was a passionate Wisconsin sports fan that seldom missed watching a Brewers, Bucks, Badger, or Packers game.  She took great pride in being a season ticket holder for the Packers since 1957.  If there was a “Hall of Fame” for mothers, she would have been selected as a first ballot unanimous pick.  Her faith, family, and friends meant the world to Beverly.   She was always mailing greeting cards with beautifully written notes, keeping Hallmark in business. As a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church, she immersed herself in volunteer activities for some sixty years.  But don’t let that fool you – Bev was likely volunteering in church one day and shaking hands with a one-armed bandit at the casino the next day!

She is survived by three beloved children: Mike Reinke of Appleton; Connie (Wally) Stelzer of Pewaukee; and Tom (Peihua) Reinke of Pewaukee.  She loved and adored her five grandsons, and always took a personal interest in their events and activities.   She will be missed by Ethan and Ian Reinke, Andy (Laura) Selzer, their children Kensley, Dominic, and Callan; Brad (Meghann) Stelzer and their sons Will and Dean; Kevin (Kira) Stelzer and their children Charlie Jean, Callie, and Keston; sisters Joyce Smith, Shirley Knitt, Jackie (Richard) Dittloff; and soul sister Carol (Artz) Peterson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Ron Peterson, Ralph (Erin) Peterson; and in-laws Clarence and Elaine Olson, Bill Knitt, and Jack Smith.

Funeral services for Beverly will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Zion Lutheran Church, located at 912 N. Oneida Street in Appleton, with Rev. Catherine Burnette officiating.  Interment will take place at Highland Memorial Park.  Visitation will take place at the church on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.

The family has established a memorial fund at the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Wisconsin.