Robert Reinhardt

September 18, 2011

TRAVERSE CITY — Robert Wiber Reinhardt died Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011, at Bay Ridge Assisted Living in Traverse City, at age 93, after a long struggle with dementia.Bob was born March 7, 1918, in St. Louis, Mo., to Herbert and Gladys (Wiber) Reinhardt. Bob graduated from Roosevelt High School and Washington University in St. Louis, where he met Kay (Galle), his beautiful wife of 68 years. Bob and Kay moved from St. Louis to the Glen Arbor/Traverse City area 25 years ago.Bob had many talents and worked in the building trades early in his career. He could build and fix just about anything. Bob's most rewarding work was as an administrator with Washington University in St. Louis. During his years there, he oversaw many important construction projects and enjoyed the challenge of being with a growing, vibrant, respected educational community.Bob loved to read great books and he loved music, particularly classical music and music of the Big Band era. As a young boy he learned to play the banjo and later the tenor guitar. His guitar playing gave him and everyone around him great joy, and filled our lives with singing and laughter. Bob and Kay made beautiful music together all their lives and passed along this special love to their children and granddaughter.With his move to Michigan, Bob and a group of Glen Arbor musicians formed "The Leftovers," a small band that played at events and parades throughout the area. It was great fun and good music. Bob also loved flowers and plants and was an avid gardener, another love he passed on to his family.Bob was a thoughtful, loving man who will be greatly missed by his family and by the loving caregivers at Bay Ridge Assisted Living.Bob is survived by his two daughters, Judy Reinhardt (Jim Schwantes), of Cedar, and Ann Rich, of St. Louis, Mo. Also surviving is his granddaughter, Laura Rich, of St. Louis; his sister, Joy (Chuck) Allen, of St. Louis, and their children.Bob was preceded in death by his wife and parents.The family would especially like to thank the wonderful staff of Bay Ridge Assisted Living for their steadfast and loving commitment to their father's care. Through the years, they became family to Bob and to all of us. Also thank you to Hospice of Michigan, Jerome and Connie particularly, for their attentive and loving comfort. Gifts in Bob's memory may be made to The Fresh Food Partnership, 324 Munson Ave., Traverse City, MI 49686, and to Hospice of Michigan, 900 E. Front St., Suite 150, Traverse City, MI 49686.Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place.