NEW INFORMATION ON MEMORIAL SERVICE

Obituary

Duane Neil Reinke passed away December 16th after a short battle with cancer. Duane was born on October 6th, 1934, in Mandan North Dakota.

Duane moved to Bellingham with his parents Clarence and Edith, brothers Jerome and Leland, and sister Nadine. Duane graduated from Ferndale high school in 1952. He married Laurice Bredal on December 30th, 1954, and had his two sons Neil (married to Lori Reinke), and Brad (married to Rozlin), and one daughter Jeannie. Duane has four grandkids: Ryan (married to Mikel), Matthew (partner Ashlee), Cody (partner Alyssa), and Danielle. He also has 9 nieces and nephews. Duane also has 4 great great-grandchildren: Dallas, Landyn, Blakley, and Ari.

Duane was a very successful man. He started his career at Mobile Oil Company. After a short time, he decided to be more of an entrepreneur. He Started several businesses. To name a couple that are still doing well: Reinke’s fabrication and Walton tool.

Duane and Laurice built their dream house in Birch Bay Village in 1979. Several years later he was able to purchase his dream boat: an angel which he named ‘The Happy Ours’.

Later in life Duane met his partner Wilma Rowley, and Wilma’s daughter Cindi Smith who was like a daughter to Duane in last years of his life.

Duane enjoyed boating and fishing and cruising the San Juan Islands. Duane also liked spending time in Palm Spring with his boating friends. He was also a lifetime member of Wheel and Keel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Whatcom Hospice at 2806 Douglas Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225, or donate online at whatcomhospice.org/donate/

There will be a celebration of life held at 2pm Duane's house in Birch Bay Village, 8032 Comox Road.