Charles "Chuck" D. Reineke

Charles D. Reineke, age 76 of Eau Claire, passed away Wednesday evening, February 26, 2025, at The Classic in Altoona. 

Charles “Chuck” Reineke was born August 1, 1948, the youngest of ten siblings. He grew up in Augusta, Wisconsin, where he hunted, fished, and played cards with his brothers and friends. Many people who knew Chuck will remember him best for his jovial spirit, clever wit, jokes, stories, and warm heart, which was best highlighted by his love for his daughters and dogs. He enjoyed watching sports and was an avid reader throughout his life, often spending his days submerged in a sporting event or book.

Chuck attended the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, before serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1969-1971. He returned to Eau Claire after to complete his degree in accounting. Chuck worked for Eau Claire Transit as a bus driver where he met is wife, Jane (Bohlinger), a fellow bus driver, and started a family. He grew his career within the Eau Claire transit system, retiring as a supervisor in 2009. He spent his retired years in leisure at Lake Chippewa Campground on the Chippewa Flowage, where he was best seated behind the steering wheel of his pontoon catering to friends and family, touring the lake in search of wildlife, camaraderie of friends, and lakeside restaurants. During the winters, he and Jane would travel to Florida to be amongst family and friends within the Bradenton/Sarasota area. 

Chuck is survived by his wife (Jane); daughters Meagan (Eric) Henkel and grandson, Trexton Wise Reineke, Myra Reineke, and Molly (Chad Goldsmith) Reineke; brothers Duane (Karen), David (Gini), Rick (Linda); numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; and dear friend, Tommy Randall, who visited him every Tuesday during his time at The Classic. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Merle (Hall); brothers Donald, Leonard, and Gary; and sisters Joan, Mary Lou, and Carol. A special thanks is given to The Garden at The Classic, whose staff was exemplary in their compassion and care for Chuck during his final days.

Chuck’s jokes, stories, and humor will be greatly missed. A memorial service, officiated by his nephew, Mark Miller of Hastings, MN, will be held at 1PM on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Hulke Family Funeral Home. A celebration of life will follow at The American Legion. There will not be a visitation prior to the service. Online streaming of the memorial service will be available on the Hulke Family Funeral Home website.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to Veteran Affairs (VA), American Legion, and/or Can Do Canines of Wisconsin and Minnesota.

To view Chuck's memorial service by livestream, please Click Here.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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