Reinhold A.W. Meng

Reinhold A.W. Meng, age 84, longtime Chicago resident, passed away peacefully the evening of Sunday, May 25, 2025. Born April 15, 1941, to the late Walter Meng and the late Edith Meng (nee Knossalla), he was the beloved husband of 60 years of Erika Meng (nee Rieschel). Cherished father of Heike (Larry) Cailliau, Hans (Lynne) Meng, and Christian Meng; dear grandfather of Kyle, Brandon, and Tyler Meng; fond brother of Dagobert Meng, Klaus Meng, the late Bärbel, the late Helga Mader, the late Hans Meng, and the late Erna Lutz; and fond uncle to many nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him in the United States and Germany.

A hardworking and stoic figure, Reinhold emigrated to the United States at the young age of 16 to live with his aunt and uncle. He attended Maine East High School and developed a passion for carpentry while building garages in the area. Without much direction after high school, he enrolled in the United States Army. While stationed in Germany, he met the love of his life, Erika, at an eatery that Erika was working at. Their romance was one that burned bright as they welcomed their children Heike, Hans, and Christian soon after. They settled back in Chicago where they raised their family. Reinhold was a man of dedication and hard work that translated into the fabric of his family as they will carry on his legacy.

Visitation for Reinhold will take place Friday, May 30, 2025, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Swan Lake Chapel at Ridgewood Memorial Park 9900 North Milwaukee Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60016 with Funeral Service beginning at 2 p.m. Entombment at Ridgewood to immediately follow. Arrangement entrusted to Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016. For more information, please call (847)824-5155.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Reinhold's memory may be made to PBS, 1225 South Clark Street, Arlington, Virginia 22202 US, https://donate.nprstations.org/wsiu/passport.