Otto Alfred Reinbacher

January 9, 1938 – March 8, 2026

Pastor Otto A. Reinbacher, 88, of Falls Church, Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of deep faith, unwavering devotion to family, and a warm sense of humor that brightened the lives of all who knew him. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Pastor Otto was known for his steady kindness, strong values, and the laughter he shared so freely. His life was a testament to faith, love, and the importance of family; he will be profoundly missed by those fortunate enough to have known him.

Pastor Otto was born to the late Otto and Martha (Massat) Reinbacher on January 9, 1938 in Cicero, Illinois. He was baptized on January 30, 1938, and confirmed on April 2, 1950 at Redeemer Church in Cicero. On June 16, 1963 Pastor Otto and Catherine Rosalie Kerbs were united in marriage in Hudson, Colorado.

Pastor Otto attended Parochial School at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Cicero, Illinois; High School and Junior College at Concordia College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, Pastor Otto completed his Bachelor of Arts, Theological Degree, and Master of Divinity graduating on May 31, 1961. A year of vicarage was spent in Hamburg and then Rome, New York. After graduating from Concordia Seminary, he was ordained on June 18, 1961 at Redeemer Church.

In 1961 Pastor Otto was called to his first parish, Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gordon, Nebraska which became a dual parish with St. Paul Lutheran Church, Rushville, Nebraska.

Pastor Otto received a call into the U.S. Army Chaplaincy in 1966. The Lord and moving vans deposited the Reinbachers in Ft. McClellan, Alabama (1966); Qui Nhon, Vietnam (1967); Schofield Barracks, Hawaii (1968); Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri (1971); Ft. Hamilton, New York (1972); Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland (1973); Seoul, Korea (1976); Syracuse, New York (1978); Fort Monmouth, New Jersey (1979); Bremerhaven, Germany (1984); Heidelberg, Germany (1985); and Ft. Meade, Maryland (1987). After serving the Army Chaplaincy for twenty-two years he retired on August 1, 1988.

Military Awards received by Chaplain Reinbacher were the Legion of Merit, Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and Army Commendation Medal with two OLC. He was also honored with the Army National Guard Meritorious Service Award. Upon completing twenty years of service, he was given the Saint Martin of Tours special award presented to chaplains by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

Pastor Otto served an Interim Ministry at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baltimore, Maryland from 1988 to 1990.

In July of 1990, Pastor Otto was installed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Flemington, New Jersey to serve the Lord as Pastor with Co-Pastor Terry Herzberg. While at St. Paul, Pastor Otto served

the New Jersey District as Circuit Counselor and on the District Growth Council. He also was instrumental in the continuing spiritual growth of the congregation, introduction of praise worship, and in the large physical expansion of the Church and School Building.

He has served the community on the Hunterdon Medical Center Chaplaincy Board, Hunterdon County Committee for Aging, Flemington Rotary Club and Flemington Religious Council.

Following his retirement in October 2006, Rosalie and Otto joined St. Peter Lutheran Church in Lambertville, New Jersey, served by Pastor Steve Gewecke.

On August 26, 2016, Rosalie and Otto moved to Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads in Falls Church, Virginia. Enjoying a marvelous view of the Washington Monument and surrounding area, they became active members of the GHBC community. Pastor Otto served on the Resident Council, and the Veterans, Community Services, and Bingo Committees. In 2018, Rosalie and he co-chaired a very successful Employee Gift Fund campaign. His commitment to service continued through the Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club, where he initiated the Suitcase Donations for Eswatini, one of the Club’s special outreach projects.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 63 years, Rosalie; two daughters, Cathy (Jim) Toohey of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Karen (Tom) Lamb of Alexandria, Virginia; and five grandchildren, LT Kelly Lamb Morris, Erin Toohey, Emily Lamb, Andrew Toohey, and Alexander Lamb.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads in Falls Church, Virginia, on April 10 at 3:00pm. Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to the Goodwin Living Foundation (GoodwinLivingFoundation.org) or Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch (give.dakotaranch.org)

To honor his life of service to both his country and his faith, interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.