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Myron Douglas Reinke, 80

Apr 21, 2023

Overland Park, Kansas – Myron Douglas Reinke, August 28, 1942 – April 12, 2023, passed away at the age of 80. Myron resided in Overland Park, Kansas with his wife, Kathy.

Myron was born in a farmhouse outside of Blue Earth, to Marvin and Ruby Reinke. He was blessed to have his grandparents, whom he adored, living on the same property.

He grew up and attended school in Blue Earth, home of the Jolly Green Giant. Upon high school graduation, Myron joined the Navy. He enjoyed exploring the world and learning new cultures that were very different from the Midwest farm life. Eventually, he was assigned to an aircraft carrier named the USS Ticonderoga.

After he was honorably discharged, he returned to Blue Earth, he married and they had a daughter, Tyco, who was named after the USS Ticonderoga, and she was her daddy’s little girl.

Myron earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science in Mankato State College (in Minnesota). Upon graduation, Myron worked for Minnesota Division of Vocational Rehabilitation as a Counselor – Psychologist. He also initiated and developed a Day Activity Center for developmentally disabled children in Faribault County, Minnesota.

His next journey took him to Woodward State Hospital in Iowa, where he was appointed to the position of Counselor of the Division of Rehabilitation Education and Services, Department of Public Instruction. He spent 15 years there becoming a supervisor and working to enhance the lives of developmentally disabled individuals.

In 1986, Myron married Kathy Anderson, the love of his life, always.

After leaving the State Hospital, he became employed by Lutheran Social Services in Minnesota, which led him to employment with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as a Mental Health Consultant. This position allowed him to travel throughout several states surveying organizations to ensure each resident was being well taken care of (according to Federal Regulations). He was very proud of the program he helped to facilitate called “The Ideal Day.” This encouraged the caregivers to learn about their resident’s likes and wants. Maybe all it would take was to be able to have a cup of coffee at 3 p.m. and their day was good. Myron retired from CMS in 2010 after 25 years of federal service.

After retirement, Myron and Kathy enjoyed spending time exploring the great outdoors and small towns throughout the Midwest. They also explored California, Tennessee and Florida, while visiting Tyco and family. While exploring, he fulfilled one of his passions, photography. He captured so much beauty in this world – in his photos. Not only did he love taking pictures, he loved cameras and he was always on the hunt to find an old camera in need of tender loving care to be refurbished, donated and loved by someone new.

Wherever Myron ventured to, he especially enjoyed the thrill of hunting for “treasures” by going to garage sales, thrift stores and pawnshops. He could “hunt” all day long without tiring. Kathy tried to keep up but most of the time she would cozy up in the car with a good book. This brought them both much joy. True love shows when you are there for each other and loving to see the other person happy in their journey.

Once he found “THE Treasure” the next thrill would be to clean, rehabilitate and bring it back to almost new condition. Once he was satisfied the “treasure” was perfect, his next thrill was to donate it, usually to “The ARC,” for someone else to discover and find joy in.

Myron made life-long friends everywhere he lived and worked. Some of the friend outings included metal detecting and even though he never found the gold from the sunken ship “The Atocha,” he and his friends had fun. He also did several bike rides with friends exploring historical areas. He was happy being with the people he loved and enjoying beautiful Spring or Fall day.

His “livestock” will truly miss him. He so loved watching and feeding the birds, bunnies, squirrels and especially, Chippy the Chipmunk. There was a little war with the neighbor who also liked feeding the livestock. Myron started cracking the shells off the peanuts so the livestock did not have to work so hard and hoped it would keep them on his side of the street. Always a pleaser.

Myron had a knack of making the most days, whether at work or play, entertaining, enjoyable and filled with moments of laughter and smiles for those around him. He enjoyed talking with people wherever he was, usually leaving someone he had just met smiling or laughing and chuckling at one of his observations or comments.

Kathy and Tyco are thankful he is back with his family that he loved and missed so much, who had preceded him in death. However, they miss him and love him so very much.

Per Myron’s/Dad’s wishes, there will be no visitation, service or memorial. Please honor his memory by doing random acts of kindness. Show LOVE!

Myron was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Ruby Reinke; brother, Roger Reinke; and nephew, Tony Reinke.

Myron is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughter, Tyco Welch (Rocky); grandsons, Joshua (Alina and great-granddaughter, Ember) and Jordan; nephew, Tim Reinke (Jill) and niece, Terri (Reinke) Kimmons.

Condolences may be left online at www.mcgilleyhoge.com. Arrangements by McGilley & Hoge Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS 66204. (913) 642-3565.