Obituary of Rev. Lewis Robert Reinemann

Rev. Lewis Robert Reinemann, 89, of Duluth, passed away peacefully at St. Luke's Hospital on Wednesday May 22, 2019. He now resides with his Beloved Father in Heaven free from his earthly body and perfect once again. Lewis was born on July 7, 1929 in Elkhorn, Wisconsin to the Rev. Walter and Adina Reinemann, the youngest of four brothers and two sisters.

Growing up in a rural area, Lewis loved the outdoors and developed a passion for fishing that continued his entire life and saw him spend countless hours pursuing his prey at his cabin on Lake St. Croix in Solon Springs. He also was an unwavering fan of the Green Bay Packers and considered himself a cribbage mavin. Before attending college in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Lewis had taken jobs as a canner at the local Libby's plant and an outboard motor tester for Evinrude.

Lewis initially began college with an eye toward medicine, but the Lord had other ideas and called him to become a Missouri Synod Lutheran pastor, a call he whole heartedly accepted. He studied at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated in 1953. His call then sent him to the tiny town of Chappell in the Western panhandle of Nebraska for his vicarage. There he met and fell for the love of his life Palma (Pam) Peeks. They were married in 1955 and enjoyed 64 plus years together, raising four children. Lewis' first congregation was First Lutheran in Missouri Valley, Iowa where he served for almost seven years. In 1962 he accepted a Divine Call to Mt. Olive Lutheran in Duluth, Minnesota where he stayed until his retirement in 1994. Rev. Reinemann preached on the joy and comfort our Lord and Savior gives to all of us through his unconditional love and compassion. Over the years Lewis and his ministry touched countless lives of people who were in his congregations, were confirmed, baptized or married by him, took the Fifth Step in the Duluth AA program or were members of the many congregations where he served as a vacancy pastor both during his career and after his retirement.

Lewis and Pam were able to travel the world on their own through foreign student connections they had made visiting such places as China, Japan, Indonesia, Spain, Mexico, the Panama Canal, Germany, Hawaii and many more. Lewis bowled, was a member of Kiwanis and loved to play cards. But nothing meant more to Lewis than being with his children and grandchildren whenever he could. Dad/Grandpa Lewis had a knack for making each and every one of them feel like they were his most favorite and only had love to share with all of them. Lewis was a happy, kind and gentle man who loved God and all of God's children. Heaven is rejoicing.

Lewis is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Adina; brothers Martin, Carlton and Wally and sister Arlene.

He is survived by his wife Pam; his children Jeffrey (Julie) Reinemann, Rebecca (Joe Mildenberger) Reinemann, Lisa (Jody Johnson) Reinemann, Susan (John) Bauer; grandchildren Jenna and Jaclyn Reinemann, Matthew and Andrew Mildenberger, Anneleise and Bryce Bauer and sister Ruth Kissel.

Services will be held on Sunday May 26, 2019 with visitation at 2:00 pm followed by the funeral service at 3:00 pm, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 2010 E Superior St., Duluth, MN 55812.

Lewis' family would like to thank Dr. Kleinschmidt and the staff at St. Luke's including the home health care division for the care you provided him. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Mt. Olive Memorial Fund or the Lutheran Hour.