At the age of 85 years old, on November 16, 2024, Ronald Adolph Reinardy died after months of gracious suffering, and a lifetime of faithfully racing after Christ.
Ron was born September 13, 1939, to Adolph and Lorraine (Wahlstrom) Reinardy, and grew up in the country near Hampton, MN. He attended elementary at St. Mathias catholic school. He then attended the St. Paul Seminary during his freshman and sophomore years of high school, before graduating from Randolph High School in 1957.
Ron briefly served in the US Navy, from which he was honorably discharged. After the service he went to work for Hudson Co. in Hastings, then Armour’s in South St. Paul. He began his career at Koch Refinery in 1966 and for 33 years. Ron was a well respected worker before retiring in 1999. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus where he held a number of offices including two stints as Grand Knight. He was also a member of the Catholic Watchmen, and for many years enjoyed teaching catechism. He was a member of the church choir at St. Pius V as well as the Cannon Falls Community Choir where he beautifully sang for decades.
Ron often spoke of his love and appreciation of all of his children and family. He loved his beautiful wife more than anyone, second only to Christ. He told Pat after their third date, "I'm going to marry you." He would tell you, she was a bit more skeptical and took a little more time and convincing before agreeing to marry him. Ron and Patricia Lorentz married in September of 1961 and remained faithful to each other for 63 years. She spent 552,258 hours of their marriage as his ever loving and caring wife; checking to see if he was hungry. Through the good times and through the hard times, they loved each other. They built a large family according to God's providence, who includes Jean (Jim) Glassing, Jeff (Mindy) Reinardy, Jerry (Carolyn) Reinardy, Jill (Frank) Villarreal, Joe (Renee) Reinardy, and Jennifer (Dustin) Hensley; 15 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Other survivors include his siblings James (Gina) Reinardy, Marlin (Marlene) Reinardy, Marian Endres, Robert (Karen) Reinardy, Joyce (Leo) Nicholai; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Lorraine, his son Kevin, brother Gary, and brother-in-law John Endres.
There was only one person Ronald cared above all, and that is God. However, his love for God did not detract from his love for family, friends, or the community around him. The love of God enhanced his love of those around him. His greatest hope for anyone was that they would love Christ, who he loves. His greatest hope to anyone who met him would be that they see Christ in him.
Let us pray for the passing of our beloved brother in Christ, friend, grandpa, dad, and husband, but not as those with no hope. "For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." -1 Thessalonians 4:14
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to First Choice in Red Wing, or to the Refresh and Renew Fund at St. Pius V.
Mass of Christian Burial was on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Pius V Catholic Church, 410 Colvill St, Cannon Falls, MN 55009. There was a visitation on Thursday, November 21, from 4-7:00 pm and one hour prior to the funeral Friday, both also at the church. Interment was in St. Pius V Catholic Cemetery.
