Roger Allen Reinke, Appleton, age 67, passed away Thursday, October 15, 2015, surrounded by his loving family, after a short courageous battle with leukemia. He was born on June 19, 1948, in Appleton to the late Robert and Carmen (Eisch) Reinke. Roger was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. Roger married the love of his life, Darlene Neubert, on July 22, 1972, at St. Joseph Parish in Appleton. He retired from Clearwater Paper in 2012 after working for Kimberly Clark and CelluTissue. Roger enjoyed life to the fullest. Roger loved the outdoors, hunting, camping and fishing. He especially enjoyed time spent at the cottage in Tomahawk on Lake Mohawksin with family and friends. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy and he loved being with them. He also loved his dogs and family considered him the "dog whisperer."

Roger is survived by his wife of 43 years, Darlene; children: Chad (Mandy) of Darboy; Shannon (Melissa) of Appleton; Michelle (fiance Dave Kettner) Everson of Appleton; Brad (Keli) of Appleton; and Shawn (special friend Jenna Diermeier) of Greenville; honorary "sixth" child, Jane Berggren; and grandchildren: Brady, Cody, Carly, Colton, Boone, Kennedi, and Eliana Reinke, Mckenzie and Braeden Everson, Easton and Greyson Kettner. He was very excited for the arrival of his 12th grandchild, due in November. Roger is further survived by his brother: Randy (Pati) Reinke; sister: LouAnn (Wally) Hersant; sisters and brothers-in-law: Barb (Dave) Essler, Mary (Ken) Williamson, Diane (Daryl) Starfeldt, Patti (Gary) Skiba, Gary (Teri) Neubert, Mary Ann Neubert, Diane Reinke, and Carla Kroisse; nieces and nephews, as well as many other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Russell and Cecelia Neubert; brothers, Robert and Ron Reinke; and sister and brother-in-law: Joanne (Earl) Grelson, Donna Schwister and David Neubert; and nephews: Dwayne and Russell Neubert and Todd Williamson; and niece: Peggy Neubert; and Darlene's aunt and uncle: Francis and Rose Kern.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 21, 2015, at ST. MARY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH (N2385 Municipal Dr. Greenville) beginning at 1:00 p.m. until time of Mass at 5:00 p.m. with Father Peter Mitchell officiating.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Father Jerry Falk from St. Thomas Moore and the Oncology staff at Appleton Medical Center, especially "big" Pat, for their loving care and support.

Dear Dad,
In life you taught us the values of faith, love, forgiveness, kindness, respect, grace, compassion, strength, dignity and the value of a good sense of humor. While facing death and while making your final journey, you blessed us by modeling these very things. Thank you for always being there for us, for always caring about us and for giving us the greatest gift you ever could by always loving mom. God called you home first so you could start building that house for the rest of us who will follow you. You will forever be missed and have our unending love and His amazing grace.

Until we meet again,
Your Loving Family

Note from Roger to his family before passing:

"I will see you all again someday. But I think if I go to the right place I will be glad to see all my family and pets. Hopefully the Lord will let me come back and be a guardian angel to my family. Guys but don't worry I'll always be with everyone of you. Just think of me and I'll be there."

Love always,

Dad