Harry James Reinig passed away peacefully on July 30, 2015. He was comforted by family and Hospice in Helena, Montana at the time of his death. Harry was 91 years old.
Harry Reinig was born in San Francisco, CA on October 10, 1923. He was the first child of Mamie and Harry Reinig Sr.
In 1943 he joined the Army and specifically the 10th Mountain Division in 1943 and became Private First Class Harry Reinig. He was trained in Fort Hale (Colorado) and Fort Swift (Texas) before being shipped to Italy in late 1944. He was engaged in one of the more strategic and successful WWII battles against the Nazis in the mountains of Italy. Harry earned a number of prestigious military honors for his services in the Army including the Bronze Star Medal.
Harry married Shirley Mae Grady, a housewife and nurse, on August 23, 1950. They have two sons: James Reinig and David Reinig, three daughters: Sandy (John) Leichner, Barb Reinig, Patty (Larry) George. They have five grand children: Andrea (Duane) Herinckx, Mandi (Tim) Bastian, Sean (Stacey) Reinig, Mica Stone-Reinig, and Devon Stone-Reinig,. They have four great grandchildren: Raya Bastian, Dylan Herinckx, Madelyn Reinig, and Grady Reinig.
Harry worked at Blue Shield (not Blue Cross Blue Shield) for 32 years, in part, as Director of Operations. He retired in 1985. He loved to fish, hunt, ski and excelled in all. He also watched sports and favored football teams and basketball teams from Carroll College, Montana State University, and the University of Notre Dame .
Harry is preceded in death by his mom and dad, Mamie M. and Harry Reinig Sr.
Harry is survived by (1) Shirley Mae Reinig, his wife of 65 years, (2) his brother, Phillip Reinig, and sister, Maribeth Clausen, and (3) the aforementioned children, grandchildren and great grandchildren mentioned above.
A rosary for Harry will be 6:00 pm Tuesday, August 4, 2015, at the Cathedral of St. Helena. A funeral Mass for Harry will be 12:00 pm, Wednesday, August 5, 2015, at the Cathedral of St. Helena. A reception will follow at the Brondel Center located at the lower level of the Cathedral. Burial services with military honors will be approximately 2:30 pm at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison. Memorials in Harry’s name are suggested to Carroll College General Fund, 1601 Benton Ave, Helena, Montana 59601 or to the Cathedral of St Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street, Helena, Montana 59601.
Harry was indebted to the many doctors, nurses, and aides from the Veterans Administration hospital and Home Hospice who comforted and cared for him in the past several months. Harry was also humbled by all the family members who spent many tireless and difficult hours making sure that his last days on earth were the very best.
To offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Harry please visit below.
Service Schedule
Reception
Immediately following the funeral Mass
Wednesday August 5, 2015
Brondel Center located in the lower level of the Cathedral
Helena, Montana
Burial with Military Honors
Appx. 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday August 5, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Road
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Reception
Immediately following the funeral Mass
Wednesday August 5, 2015
Brondel Center located in the lower level of the Cathedral
Helena, Montana
Burial with Military Honors
Appx. 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday August 5, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Road
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Linda Grady says
I got to know my uncle more in the last few years and will always cherish the opportunity of learning about his childhood. Tonight when I am out camping, I shall look up and smile at Uncle Pat, Uncle Jerry, and now Uncle Harry. Miss u all!
Your niece Linda
Ed Grady says
I’ll miss my coffee and Wednesday afternoon visits with you Harry, and all our reminiscing ,
“Happy Trails to you on your new adventure.”
Brother-in-law Ed Grady
Richard Grady says
My prayers and thoughts to all the Reinig family, and my uncle. He will join our uncles Pat and Jerry as they all are loved and cherished by our families. I will reminder the time I helped at the fair at the concession stands as a teenager for his organization he supported, the preparations of the hunting camp on the contintental divide with many of the family members of a long time tradition. Your nephew Rick.
Tom and Paula McKeever says
Our prayers go out to you and your family in the loss of your father. It sounds as if he was blessed with a full and fun-filled life. May the good memories and warm embrace of friends and family help ease your sorrow. Tom and Paula
MaryAnn Reinig Steen says
So Many wonderful memories of Uncle Harry & Aunt Shirley , All those amazing cookouts in your backyard when we would come to visit as kids. I got to know uncle H very well years later, loved his great stories of he & Dad as kids on the ranch. so much fun hearing about their adventures!
We’ll always be thinking of you
Always in our thoughts and prayers
Love, MaryAnn (Reinig) Kari & Jackie Steen
Sherry Aramini says
I only had the pleasure of meeting Harry twice, but enjoyed very much the time I did spend with him and Shirley. They raised a wonderful daughter who I feel blessed to call my friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Patty and the entire family as you deal with your loss and celebrate the time you all had together on this earth.
Sherry Aramini says
I only had the pleasure of meeting Harry twice, but enjoyed very much the time I did spend with him and Shirley. They raised a wonderful daughter who I feel blessed to call my friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Patty and the entire family as you deal with your loss and celebrate the time you all had together on this earth.
Sherry & Wayne Aramini
Mary Maltby Gispan says
My heart and prayers are with you all. What rich and blessed life he led, and what a wonderful example he set in his living.
Barbara Ridder says
I have several memories that make me smile when I think of Harry but one of the best is when he took me down nt first black slope at Breckinridge. With a quick – ” you’ll be fine!” Off we went without time for me to protest! And guess what- I was fine! Ski with the angels Harry!
Ed & Susan Collins says
Patty, Our prayers are with your family. Harry had to be a great man because he raised you xxxoooo Ed & Susan Collins
Judy Hodgson says
Patty, you and your family have my sincerest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. What a wonderful legacy he left. Be proud and keep those memories of him close to your heart.
Charles and Faye Jones says
Patty, your dad had to have been a most wonderful gentleman! We are remembering you, Larry, and your family in our prayers as you deal with the loss of your loved one.
Pat & Dennis Gasparini says
Patty,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your father. May your many wonderful memories give you comfort at this time. We’ll be keeping you in our prayers.
Nancy & Jim Mercure says
Patty and Larry, our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family at this sad time. The obituary paints the portrait of a very fine family man, Catholic, soldier and patriot. He will certainly be missed by all of you.
Kathy Russell says
Patty & Larry-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you both at this most difficult time for each of you and your families.
Seems wonderful lives well-lived and great memories to comfort you in the hardest times.
Please know your River Landing family supports you and is always with you.
Kathy & Richard Russell
JOHN A. WALL says
Harry and I spent many week ends together back in the 1940,s on the Belmont ski hill together. Harry was (one or two years) ahead of me at Cathedral high. Phil was in my class, a thing I did not know was my birthday was July 27, 1925 and his was a few days later July 1924. I’M sure we both hope we have a ski hill where ever we go.
Catherine Kissel says
I have many happy memories of Uncie Harry. I remember one particular forth of July celebration at the Grady ranch with Grandma and Grandpa. Harry took us on a hike to the top of the mountain and there was snow and we made snowballs in July. and for us Califirnia kids it was quite a surprise and the thrill of our trip. For me, a very special memory. It was always a pleasure spending time with Harry.
Uncle Harry, I will miss you dearly! Love,
Cathy Kissel (neice)
Geri & Bill Cullen says
Dear Patty,
Our sincere sympathy for the loss of your dad. Our love and prayers are with you during these difficult days. His life was well lived , full of love and family. He is now enjoying his Eternal Reward. Peace and love to you and your family.
Geri & Bill Cullen
Mica Stone-Reinig says
I have many great memories of my grandpa Harry. Him pulling me around on a floatie at the lake because I was afraid of the sea weed (or lake weed?), his constant coaching on my fly rod casts, getting to know more about his time in the army when I had to write a paper on the 10th Mountain Division, and the most recently the time I was lucky to spend with him two months ago.
My grandfather was a great man who lived an amazing life. Its hard to feel a loss because he is gone when I’ve gained so much from having him in my life.
Christie Delbridge says
Reinig Family,
How lucky you all are to have such a loving father and grandfather that taught you so much in life. I know he passed on his love of skiing and the outdoors to you and you will always be able to remember him and appreciate him for that. Harry will live on in your hearts! My loving thoughts are with you.
Dick & Mary Ann Duffy says
Harry was a very interesting and friendly man to everyone and we send our prayers to Shirley and her family at this time.
Carol Reinig Woods (niece) says
Dear Aunt Shirley, Cousins Jim, Dave, Sandy, Barb and Patty:
You have my deepest sympathies for the loss of a great man, husband, father, grandfather, and my dad’s best friend. I reflect on all the fond memories of our vacations to Montana in my youth. Uncle Harry was steady, calm, loving and a great fisherman. He will be greatly missed. I feel deeply honored to have called him my uncle.
John 16:16 Grief will Turn to Joy: Jesus said to his disciples; “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”
Love and prayers,
Carol
Donna Schulz says
Patty and Larry,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. What a wonderful man your Dad was. He will be with you always. Our sincere sympathy for your loss.
Ed and Donna Schulz
Jeff Kissel says
It was a privilege to become a member of Harry’s family nearly 20 years ago when Cathy and I married. It was a wonderful gesture for Harry and Shirley to travel thousands of miles to attend our wedding. I had no idea what a remarkable person Harry was when we first met, but came to know Harry and his wonderful family over the years as the giving, caring, and thoughtful people that they truly are. We shall miss his energy, his humor, and his humanity very much. I take comfort in knowing that we mere mortals can’t judge when God decides that he needs another Angel in Heaven.
Dr. Dan says
Patty and Larry, How precious are the memories that we have of our loved ones even after they have gone on to be with the Lord. I remember the day I had lunch with your dad and mom at Andy’s. I am so happy that you had the chance to be with them before he passed away. I am sure that visit meant a lot to him and your mom. Love you both. DrDan
Darlene Abeyta says
I worked with Harry at Blue Shield. He was a man of integrity. I saw him at the mall walking to exercise after his knee surgery. Last time I saw him was at Hardee’s with his buds having coffee. I wish good people like him could live forever. My condolences to Shirley and family. He was a good man. God is getting a good man. Blessings
Dorothy Morris says
I am thinking of each of you as go through this time of loss. It is so hard to say good-by to the ones we love so much and though time passes we never forget them and there’s always that empty spot when the family gets together. I know you all have many fond memories and that will certainly help when you think of your husband, dad, “dad-in-law” and granddad. My prayer is that Jesus will give you the, peace strength and comfort throughout the coming season.
With love,
Dorothy Morris
Dick & Neva Porte says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Shirley and all of your family. Always remember the good old times at Belmont. Also calling you when the huckleberries were ripe here in the Seeley/ Swan. Dick & Neva
Jim McCabe says
Helena and the skiing communutiy is a poorer place with Harry’s passing. He was my dad’s treasured friend and I was priviledged to know him almost my entire life. I have skied for over 70 years and some of earliest and fondest memories was trying to follow and emulate Harry on the slopes of Belmont. Dad and I witnessed his terrible accident above the First Road on Highball. His recovery and return to skiing has been an inspiration to me through out my life. I have asked a classmate at Notre Dame to say a Mass there for Harry. Each time I go put on the slopes I will think of Harry and smile.
Kryss Kuntz says
Barb, Shirley and Reinig family,
Barb, I am truly sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. These comments tickle me because if it wasn’t for you and your mom and dad I don’t think we would of become the skier’s we are. My memories of growing up will always include you and your mom and dad taking us up skiing or meeting up at the hill. Back in the days of good ol’ Belmont and the fact that at that time we were in the elite group being the only two girls that were die hard skiers. Such fond memories. Over the years I have had the pleasure of running into your mom and dad from time to time just to say Hello! Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts. He was a good, kind and gentle man and that shows through you, my friend! Keep him close in your heart and know he is there watching you from heaven above.
God Bless and God Speed Harry….see you on the heavenly slopes. Love and hugs!
Traci Swingley says
Always I will remember Harry and Shirley as the gracious, dear friends of my grandparents, Granny and Grampy (Jack and Mary McNamara). True friends who stayed by their side, always visiting up through the end, I cherish the times I was a part of the fun. Genuine, kind, and loving, are only a few of the many wonderful ways to describe them. My thoughts and prayers are with Shirley and her family. Love and hugs to you all and your angel in heaven. I know that he was greeted by with sweet anticipation by Granny and Grampy.
Mark Spiroff says
On behalf of the Spiroff family, (Katie, Linda, myself and our extended families), we extend our sincere condolences to the entire Reinig family for the loss of Harry. Mr. Reinig (as I will always call and remember him) was a true friend to our family and especially to my late father, Joe Spiroff whom I expect will have a cold one waiting for Harry in heaven. Mr. Reinig always had a big smile for us, was always tougher than nails (WW2 10th Mountain Division tough) and was absolutely poetry on skiis. I learned much from his example. On a personal note, I wish Shirley, Barb, Patty and the rest of the Reinig family all the best – in memory of Mr. Reinig.
Sincerely,
Mark, Katie, Linda and the entire Spiroff family
mary kunnary says
To the Reinig family – I meet Harry at the Crossroads Health Club. I worked the front desk – we had many great conversations. What a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed. God Bless him.
Mary Kunnary