Jay Reinke

Jay Kallen Reinke, 57, of Waco passed away Saturday, April 16, 2022, after fighting a long battle with cancer. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Friday, April 22 at Waco Memorial Park with Pastor Brandon Frenzel officiating. The family will receive visitors 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 21 at Pecan Grove Funeral Home.

Jay was born in Marlin, Texas on November 7, 1964 to Leonard and Diana Reinke. He grew up in Waco, where he graduated from Richfield High School in 1983. After working as the house manager at the Freeman Center, a drug and alcohol treatment facility, Jay went on to work at the First Methodist Church of Waco in 2014. He continued working there until his health no longer allowed him to do so. Jay felt that working there was more than just a job and considered everyone there his family. Throughout his long fight with cancer, Jay never gave up hope that he would once again be able to do all of the things he still dreamed of doing.

He was preceded in death by his mother Diana Reinke; and son Matt Reinke.

Jay is survived by his father, Leonard Reinke; sister, Wendy Winter and husband Mike; daughters, Andrea Reinke, Kirstie DiGiovanni; granddaughter, Carter Reinke; aunt, Sherry Kelinske; nieces, Emma Winter, Olivia Winter; and nephew, Jacob Winter.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Winter, Jacob Winter, Charles Hartstack, Mike Dzamba, Tim Lashombe, and Mike Lashombe.