James A. Reinke, Kaukauna, age 80, passed away at his home on Thursday, April 30, 2026. A Kaukauna native, Jim was born on November 25, 1945, to the late William and Madge (Keough) Reinke. He married Barbara Seidl on August 27, 1970. Jim worked for the railroad, spending most of his career with Chicago Northwestern Railway. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether it was fishing or tending to his garden and feeding the birds. Jim loved history and collected antiques, railroad memorabilia, and rocks. He spent much of his time with friends and taking bus trips with his wife, Barb. He enjoyed making others smile every chance he got. Everyone noticed his extroverted and warm personality, never turning down the chance to meet someone new. His character shone through any situation, making the best of it and helping reassure everyone everything would be alright despite how difficult it may seem. His humor was as unique as it was contagious.

Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barb; children: Scott (Kathy) Reinke, Freedom; Stacey (Brian) Diermeier, Menasha; Steven (Amy) Reinke, Kaukauna; Stephanie (Dale) Pynenberg, Appleton; and Shawn Reinke, Green Bay; grandchildren: Megan, Cole, Bryce, Peyton, Teah, and Ella; two great grandchildren; siblings: John (Barb) Reinke, Tom Reinke, Sheila Wilquet, and Cheryl Braun-Ehle; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Dennis (Karen) Seidl, Debbie (Kevin) Marg, Jean Seidl, Loren Madden, and Pat Reinke. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his siblings: Roberta (Marv) Van Den Eng, Diane (Ray) Hovey, Mike Reinke, Don Reinke, and Jerry Reinke; and father and mother-in-law, Leonard and Katherine Seidl; step-mother-in-law, Charlene Seidl; and brothers and sister-in-law: Ken Seidl, Barb’s infant brother and Lorie Madden.

He will be greatly missed as he touched the hearts of all those surviving.

Visitation will be held May 16, 2026, at O’CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main Street, Little Chute) from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. His Funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Melissa Pagel officiating.