Robert E. Reinstra

Robert E. Reinstra, age 74 of Westby, died Saturday evening, April 28, 2007 at his home. Robert Eugene Reinstra, age 74 of Westby, died Saturday, April 28, 2007 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Robert was born September 25, 1932 in Sparta, WI to Spencer and Lorenca (Kenyon) Reinstra. He graduated from LaCrosse Central High School in 1950 and entered the US Navy. On April 24, 1954 he married Irene M. Bernier in Putnam, CT. He served in the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1955. He began working for the US Postal Service in 1956. He was a letter carrier in LaCrosse for 17 years and had served as the Postmaster in Soldiers Grove and Westby. He retired from the Postal Service in 1990 and in 1991 started wintering in Arizona. Bob was active in many charitable and service organizations including the Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Lions, Shriners, and Gold Wing Road Riders Association. He also served as the NALC Union President for 10 years, volunteered to head security for the LaCrosse Octoberfest parade, and was involved in the Credit Union and SW Cap. He enjoyed camping, motorcycling, softball, photography, and electronic gadgets. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Irene; two children: Pamela (Loren) Knoble of Richland Center, WI, and Robert (Kelli) Reinstra of Coon Rapids, MN; grandchildren: Jessica Gander, Kelly Ryan, Darcy Ryan, Sam Ryan, Aubrey Ryan, Megan Reinstra, and Hunter Reinstra; step-grandchildren: Tera, Belinda, Renee, Paris, and Colton; three great-grandchildren: Ashlee, Morgan, and Owen Gander; his siblings: Dewey (Mary) Reinstra, Llewellyn (Judy) Reinstra, Bertha (David) Irish, and Annie (Don) Haefs; and son-in-law, Roy Howell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Teri Howell in 1995. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 3, 2007 at St. Marys Annunciation Catholic Church in Viroqua. Father Robert Cook will Celebrate the Mass with burial in the Fancy Creek Cemetery near Gillingham, WI. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4 7 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S Hwy 14, Westby. There will be a scripture service at 4:30 p.m. and a Masonic service at 6:00 p.m. Friends may also call on Thursday from 9 10 a.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.