Obituary - Earl R. Reinert, 72

Funeral services for lifelong Holly area farmer and rancher Earl R. Reinert were held November 20, 2001, at the Holly High School gymnasium. Rev. Ralph Plummer officiated and burial followed in the Holly Cemetery with full military honors by the Holly V.F.W. Post #4281.

Mr. Reinert, age 72, departed this life November 16, 2001, at Parkview Hospital in Pueblo following a lengthy illness.

Earl was born August 28, 1929, in rural Prowers county, north of Holly, the second of four children born to the union of Andrew and Fern Reinert.

As a child, Earl attended Pleasant Hill Country School near his home for the first eight years of his primary education. He then attended and graduated from Towner High School with the class of 1949.

On January 3, 1952, Earl answered the call of his country enlisting in the U.S. Army. He served honorably for two years during the Korean War before being honorably discharged December 5, 1953. Earl attained the rank of Corporal while being stationed in Germany.

Following his military service, Earl returned home to Holly and was united in marriage to Mary Schleining of Eads October 24, 1954. To this union were born two children, Delvin and Darla.

Earl and his family resided north of Holly where they farmed and ranched with his brother Eldon and their father, Andrew, until 1974. Earl and his son Delvin then farmed together from 1974 until the present.

Earl took great pride in being involved in the Holly community. He served on a number of boards and committees, including Southeastern Colorado Co-op, Farm Credit, Holly Fair Board, several church committees, and numerous other community services and activities.

Earl was preceded in death by his father, Andrew Reinert of Holly November 20, 1986; by his mother, Fern Reinert of Eads March 30, 2000; and by two brothers-in-law, Vern Plummer of Casper, Wyoming, in 1987 and Doug McCracken of Eads in August of 2001.

Earl’s greatest joy in life was his family, his wife of 47 years, Mary of their home in Holly; his son Delvin and wife Cynthia Reinert of Holly; and his daughter Darla and husband Dan Crockett of Brighton; those that would being a smile to his face were his grandchildren Dustin and Dayne Crockett, and Josh, Heath, and Jenna Reinert.

Earl is also survived by his brother, Eldon and wife Glendoris Reinert of Lamar; by his two sisters, Lois McCracken of Eads and Weltha Plummer and her friend Wilf Stahlen of Westminster; and by numerous nieces, nephews, other family and many friends.

Rev. Plummer opened the service with a scripture reading from Psalms 23 and a prayer for comfort for the family and one of joy for Earl having received his faith reward. The New Day Quartet from the Holly First Baptist Church then sang "I want Jesus more than Anything" accompanied by pianist Candy Plummer. Following additional scriptural promises from God taken from John 11:25-26, Rev. Plummer read the obituary.

Soloist Vance Brian then sang, "God Leads Us Along" accompanied by pianist Marsha Willhite.

The text for the funeral message "Fighting and finishing" was taken from II Timothy 4:6-8, and Eccl. 3:1, 2. Rev. Plummer spoke of life having so many unexpected moments, many of which are God building character in us. He then elaborated on Earl’s character. He mentioned Earl’s wit and keen sense of humor, which he displayed until the very end. Pastor Plummer also spoke about how Earl was a positive man, even through his struggle with his health. How could he do this? Because God’s grace is sufficient, and Earl certainly shared in God’s grace.

Earl fought with his health problems for many years, but in the end he finished his fight as a victor through Jesus Christ. Life in itself is a fight with many stormy times. How can we respond to the many hardships? By saying the prayer "Lord Save Me."

Rev. Plummer then spoke of how many times we reflect back on a person’s life and ask what mattered most. The two most common responses were, "Was I good to my family," and, "What was our relationship with Jesus?"

He concluded his message with a challenge for those who haven’t already committed to Jesus to do so. There is much comfort for the family to know Earl was ready to die. He was not afraid and found a peace in death. He was not afraid to meet Jesus face to face.

The service then concluded with the Quartet singing "It is well with my Soul" and a prayer of benediction.

The very large gathering of friends and family then proceeded to the Holly Cemetery for the graveside prayers of committal. Those serving as casket bearers were Doug Wilson, Steve Young, Kent Anderson, Dale Seufer, Bert Files, and John Allen. Designated, as honorary bearers were "all of Earl’s many other friends."

Following additional words of comfort and assurances by Pastor Plummer, the Holly V.F.W. bestowed full military honors upon their comrade for his honorable service to his country. These honors included the firing of three volleys, the playing of taps, and the formal flag presentation to Mrs. Reinert.

After a time of friends expressing their condolences, the family gathered at the Holly First Baptist Church for an additional time of fellowship and to share in a memorial meal prepared and served by the ladies of the church.

Arrangements were under the direction of Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel.