Josephine (Burger) Reinoehl

Josephine Burger Reinoehl Apr. 23, 1913 - June 13, 2015 NORTH MANCHESTER - Jo was born in Wabash County, Indiana with her twin sister Pauline on April 23rd, 1913. Her parents were Edna Cripe Burger and Egbert Luther Burger. She had 3 older sisters, Mary Montel, Elizabeth Price and Ruth Jester and one older brother, John. All of the twins' siblings were from their father's first marriage. The twins' mother died when they were only 9 weeks old. About 2 years later their father married Emma Montel Burger who loved and raised them until her death when they were 13 years old.

Their father then moved them to South Bend, Indiana where Jo graduated in the first graduating class (1931) of the new Riley High School.

Jo met her future husband, Richard (Dick) Reinoehl through joint activities of their churches' youth groups. She attended Manchester College before marrying Dick on August 26th, 1933 and they made their home in South Bend. They raised three children, Truman, Graydon and Sharon.

Jo was an active member of the First Church of the Brethren (now Crest Manor) in South Bend and taught Sunday school, becoming the director of the Kindergarten Department. She also taught in many Vacation Bible Schools and had leadership roles in the St. Joseph County Council of Church Women. She founded, directed and taught in the church's preschool program for many years. Jo was also an excellent seamstress. She not only sewed for her family, but also for others and taught sewing classes. She made the bridesmaid dresses for her daughter's wedding and hats to match. Jo's humanitarian and peacemaking efforts included supporting Heifer Project, Amnesty International, Habitat for Humanity, International Fellowship of Reconciliation, Manchester Shepherd Center, and the Manchester Historical Society. She also supported Church of the Brethren On Earth Peace.

Jo was also very active in American Field Service and welcomed many students from around the world in her home. She also had a great love of Camp Mack and its mission. Jo and her husband Dick became members of the Timbercrest family when they moved to 210 Willow Way in December of 1984. They quickly became an integral part of the community and were involved in nearly every facet of life at Timbercrest.

Preceding her in death were her husband of 60 years, parents, 2 stepmothers, 4 sisters and 1 brother. Surviving her are 3 children, Charles Truman (Retta) and Philip Graydon Reinoehl (Cheryl), and Sharon Jane Hensley (Harry). She has 10 grandchildren, 26 great- grandchildren and 2 great- great-grandchildren. Dick and Jo's ashes will be placed in the peace garden at the Manchester Church of the Brethren where they attended. Jo passed from this life on June 13, 2015 at the age of 102.

A memorial service will be held on June 27, 2015 at 2:00 PM in the Timbercrest chapel. Memorial gifts may be made to Manchester University, the Manchester Church of the Brethren, Timbercrest or the Wabash County Foundation.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jun. 16, 2015.

06/20/2023 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/southbendtribune/name/josephine-reinoehl-obituary?id=12781130