Bernard Rex Reinink

Bernard Rex Reinink of Tipton, Mich. died May 20, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family’s and God’s love and under the care of Hospice of Lenawee.

He was born on January 11, 1948 to Bernard and Helen (Watson) Reinink in Wyandotte, Mich. and they preceded him in death. He graduated from Garden City West High School in 1966 and then attended the University of Michigan where he received his bachelor of science degree in 1970 and his masters degree in 1974.

On June 15, 1974 he married Susan (Rinkus) Reinink in Brooklyn, Mich. They were blessed with almost 47 years of marriage. Together they raised two sons, creating many wonderful family memories. His family meant the world to him.

Rex taught for 39 years, all except two spent in Lenawee County Schools. He worked in Onsted, Hudson, Tecumseh, and the LISD in addition to two years spent at the Hillsdale ISD.

He was a teacher, but also a student. He taught himself many skills and could fix anything, and even built three homes for his family.

He relished most his role as a husband, dad, and grandpa. He loved to entertain the little ones with his antics and his wonderful laugh. They in turn brought him great joy.

In their retirement years he and Susan enjoyed many trips around the country.

He was an encyclopedia of knowledge about Model T and A Fords and mentored many people throughout his life who were getting started in the antique car hobby. He loved assembling cars in his workshop, talking cars with his car buddies, and going on tours in his restored cars.

Rex is survived by his wife, Susan; sons, Andrew (Michelle) Reinink and Ford (Kristin) Reinink; and grandchildren, Benjamin, Max, and Jacob Reinink.

He is also survived by a very special uncle and aunt, Jack and Marilyn Reinink; his brothers, Barry (Candy) Reinink, and Keith (Susie) Reinink; sisters, Roxanne (Terry) Helinski, and Stacy (George) Handy; and sisters-in-law, Judith Rinkus, Elaine (David) Jordan, and Pamela Wood-Rinkus; and many nieces and nephews.

He was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Huron Valley Cranks, and the Sparton Horn Model A Club.

A public visitation was held at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes on Sunday, May 23, 2021 from 2-7 p.m. A private funeral was held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church with burial following at Brookside Cemetery with Pastor Richard Rentner presiding on Monday, May 24, 2021.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, The Daily Bread of Lenawee County, Model A Museum at Gilmore Car Museum, the REA Literacy Center at Siena Heights, or Hospice of Lenawee, all organizations he supported through donations or volunteer work.  Online condolences may be offered to the family at handlerfuneralhomes.com.