MEINOLF REINEKE

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MEINOLF REINEKE After a brief illness, but a happy and healthy life, Meinolf Reineke (Mike) passed away peacefully on Monday, June 12, 2006 at Victoria General Hospital. He was predeceased by his parents, one brother and numerous relatives and friends. He is survived by his loving wife Loretta; daughter Joan, the other daughter Sharon and her husband Kelly and their two children, Samantha and Kameron; and son Eric and his wife Janelle and their daughter, Caitlin. Meinolf will be missed by his sisters, his brother and other relations and friends. He touched so many people in his life that we would need the entire classified section to list every single one. He was born in Germany on May 26, 1932, survived the Second World War and came to Canada with his sister in 1951. His remaining two sisters, two brothers and parents were soon to follow and started Reineke Farms on a little piece of land at Pembina and Dalhousie. Meinolf began his health food career at his uncle's store, Vita Health, on Kennedy Street. There he was to meet a young and beautiful coworker who would later become his wife and the mother of his children. He married Loretta Moellenbeck on a crisp winter day on November 28, 1964. Wasting no time on marital bliss, their first daughter, Joan was born August 26, 1965. After coming up for air once, their second daughter, Sharon was born September 29, 1966. Meinolf continued to develop his knowledge of vitamins, herbs and health foods at Vita Health and enjoying his family as well as hunting and fishing. He finally struck the jackpot when his son, Eric was born August 21, 1971 and then decided to open his own business that same year, calling it House of Nutrition. This is so aptly named as this store provided and supported his family for over 35 years. We have some appreciation as to the number of customers he has helped over the years by the dozens of well wishers who came to visit him in the hospital. So many of these customers are part of the House of Nutrition family of friends. Meinolf was the most generous and unselfish person who treated his wife like a queen. He was the best father ever and gave so much of his time and love to his children. He rarely was angry and had the biggest smile and most positive outlook on life. Family came first but if you were blessed to know him you were treated like family. A big piece of our family is missing from our hearts today but the memories we have of good times can never be taken away. We would like to thank neighbors, friends and family who have helped these last few months at the House of Nutrition, cut the grass, rushed our father to the hospital and provided support to our family at the drop of a hat. We also would like to thank Dr. Sharkey and all the staff at Victoria Hospital who provided top quality human care to Meinolf or Smiley as he was known at the Vic. Please share in the celebration of the life of Meinolf Reineke on Friday, June 16, at 11:00 a.m. at St Bernadette Parish on 820 Cottonwood Road. The celebration will be preceded by a viewing at 10:00 a.m. at St Bernadette Parish. In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to a charity of your choice or to CancerCare Manitoba. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 15, 2006