Keith L. Reinke, of Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, at Rennes Health & Rehab. He was born on July 7, 1947, in Appleton to Siegfried H. Reinke and Erna M. (Beyer) Reinke.

Keith dedicated several decades of his career to the telephone company, where his coworkers affectionately knew him as “Rambo.” Beyond his career, his true life’s work was the family farm. As a proud third-generation Reinke, Keith lived his entire life on the farm, caring for it with pride and dedication. He was known for keeping an immaculate lawn, and if he wasn’t working in the fields, you could usually find him outside tinkering or spending time in the “big shed.”

His greatest passion was outdoors. Whether traveling west to hunt elk or heading north to Big Falls in search of trophy whitetails, those hunting trips brought him great joy. They became treasured traditions that he shared with Kristina and Corey, creating memories that will live on for years.

Keith was known for doing things his own way. His German heritage certainly showed in his determination and stubborn streak, but beneath his tough exterior was a kind heart. He wasn’t a man of many words, yet he valued time spent with family and friends more than he often expressed. His work ethic was second to none, and it is a legacy he proudly passed on to his children.

Over the past several years, Keith was blessed by an incredible network of friends and neighbors who became an extended family. Whether it was helping with groceries, picking up prescriptions, driving him to appointments, or dropping off homemade meals and baked goods, their kindness allowed him to remain connected to the people that meant the most. His family is deeply grateful for the compassion and generosity shown to him.

Though he may never have realized just how many lives he touched, the outpouring of friendship and support throughout his life speaks for itself. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and neighbors. His legacy lives on in the family farm he cared for, the values he instilled, and the memories shared by those who loved him.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Judith Lautenschlager and Don Reinke.

He is survived by his daughter, Kristina (Jason) Spang; his son, Corey Reinke; his brother-in-law, Dick Lautenschlager and his nieces, Paula (Joe) Van Domelen and Lynn (Brian) Eastman and their children. Keith’s former wife, Diane, also brought three daughters into his life: Brenda VerVoort, Tracy (Andrew) Motowski, and Nicole (Lance) Riggles.

A memorial service for Keith will be held at 11 AM on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Wichmann Funeral Hom, 537 N. Superior St., Appleton. Visitation will be on Friday at the funeral home from 10AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital or the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Keith’s family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff and caregivers at Rennes; especially, Gail, Nicole, Lynda, and Nikki for their kindness, compassion, patience, and care.