William Reineke Obituary

William Frank "Bill" Reineke Sr.

William Frank "Bill" Reineke Sr. passed away Monday, March 6, 2023. Son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend, entrepreneur, philanthropist, humanitarian, traveler, boater, and storyteller are just some of the titles that could be used when referring to WFR Sr.

Bill was born Feb. 12, 1928, in Toledo, to Frances (Lichtenwagner) and William Francis Reineke. Bill quickly learned that hard work, a can-do attitude, and perseverance would be crucial to his success in life. After graduating from Macomber Vocational High School in 1946, he enlisted in U.S. Marine Corps, serving stateside twice during the Korean Conflict.

In 1951, Bill met his future bride of 50 years, Corrine Barchick, on a blind date. They married Jan. 31, 1953, and welcomed 10 children. Bill devoted his life to raising and providing for his family.

Bill started his automotive career when he began selling cars for Bahnam Olds, Toledo, in 1955. In 1960, he purchased Oliver Pore Buick Oldsmobile, Fostoria, and moved his family, starting Reineke Ford, Inc., and the first store in the Reineke Family Dealership Chain. He had a storied career in the business and often chronicled his life by the year and make of the car he drove.

Faith, service, and community were also large portions of his life. Bill was a committed supporter of St. Wendelin Catholic Church, serving in multiple positions and ushering nearly every Sunday 9 a.m. Mass.

He also participated in the Fostoria community through innumerable activities including Rotary, Elks, Knights of Columbus, business and economic development, and Fostoria Hilltop Club, of which he was the longest-living member.

Additionally, he served on Tiffin University Board of Trustees from 1986-2016 and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters in 2020.

WFR Sr. was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rita Bogdanski; brother, Donald; grandson, Kevin Nusser; son-in-law, Kerry Mitchell; and beloved wife, Corrine (Barchick).

He is survived by their 10 children, William Jr., Jacqueline Mitchell, Elizabeth Jadwisiak, Nancy (Robert) Nusser, Thomas (Stacey), John (Vannessa), Cynthia (Joseph) Taylor, Susan (Anthony) Casale, Daniel (Nikki), and Kathryn (John) Schneider; 23 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Bill was additionally grateful to his devoted friend and companion, Evelyn Marker.

Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2023, at Hoening & Son Funeral Home, 133 W. Tiffin St., Fostoria, Ohio, 44830, where a Vigil will be at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 10, 2023, at St. Wendelin Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Wendelin Catholic Cemetery where military honors will be provided by United Veterans of Fostoria Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Reineke Family Foundation, in care of P.O. Box 684, Fostoria, Ohio, 44830, or charity of the donor's choice.

Online expressions of sympathy and shared memories may be made by visiting www.hoeningfuneralhome.com.