Donald A. Reinking

Donald A. “Don” Reinking, 94, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2019 at Heritage Park Nursing Home in Fort Wayne. He was born in Ossian, Indiana on August 13, 1924 to the late Martin and Martha (Bauermeister) Reinking. Don was married to Julia “Judy” VanMeter on September 26, 1953, and she preceded him in death on August 29, 1990. He was employed by Fruehauf Trailer Corporation in Fort Wayne for 44+ years, retiring in 1987. Don was a longtime member of Concordia Lutheran Church. Don served his country proudly in the United States Army during World War II as a member of the 38th Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron. Because of his ability to speak German he served as the squadron’s interpreter. Don fought in the Normandy Invasion (D-Day), in Northern France, at the Rhineland, in Central Europe and in the Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge). He was wounded three times and received 2 Purple Hearts. He failed to receive a deserved third Purple Heart because at the time of his last wounding the military hospitals were so full of casualties, he was treated and recuperated in a field hospital instead. He was the recipient of five Bronze Stars during his service. Don was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 47, Ft. Wayne and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2457, New Haven, and member of Disable American Veterans- Elmer Pond Chapter. He enjoyed traveling which included trips back to Europe where he explored his family heritage in Germany and visited many of the areas he served in while in the military. He is survived by his four nieces and a nephew. Besides his parents and wife he is preceded in death by his sister, Leona Lampe and brothers, Raymond, Wilbert, Vernon and Henry Reinking. Services will be held on Monday, May 20, 2019 1:00 PM at Concordia Lutheran Church, 4245 Lake Ave. Fort Wayne, IN with visitation there from 11 AM until the service. He will be laid to rest at Lindenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Concordia Lutheran Church. Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. To sign the online guestbook go to www.hockemeyermillerfh.com