MISSION, Texas — Donald Miner Reinhardt, 92, passed away peacefully at PaxVilla Hospice Care Center in McAllen on March 7, 2019.
Donald was born July 18, 1926, in Bazine, Kansas, to Ben and Neta Reinhardt. He was the middle of five children, having an older brother Franklin, and sister Dorothy, plus a younger sister Margaret, and brother, Richard.
Don completed his first five grades of school in Bazine Grade School in the middle of the depression. In 1937, the family moved to Great Bend, Kansas, where Don completed his schooling, graduating in 1944. At school, Don was involved in gymnastics, band and choir as well as being active in scouting.
Don lived by his Scout Oath and Law and the Lions’ Club Motto “We Serve.”
Don joined the Navy and was off to Boot Camp after he graduated from high school. He served as an aerial gunner on a torpedo bomber. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946. He attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, graduating with his B.S. in biological science and pre-dental in 1950. In August 1949, Don married Bonna Maxfield, his sweetheart at KU. Don went on to dental school in Kansas City, Mo., in 1950, graduating in 1954. He opened his dental office in his hometown of Great Bend.
Don retired from his dental practice in 1995. He and Bonna moved to Mission, Texas, where they bought a home in Enchanted Valley Ranch. Six months after he retired, Bonna had a severe stroke so he spent the next seven years caring for her until her death in 2004.
Don transferred his membership to the Mission Lions Club in 1996 and has been an active Lion for more than 70 years. He was active in all Masonic Bodies and is a Shriner, Life Elks Lodge member, American Legion (past Post Commander) and VFW. Also a Barbershopper for over 40 years, sang in a quartet, the Senior Ambassadors and Men of A-Chord; a Gideon for over 10 years, a charter member of the Mission Historical Museum. He helped to start and served on the Board of the Central Scout Museum in Larned. He served with the Barton County Historical Museum in Great Bend, KS. He has been a life long member of the Methodist Church and has become active in the Mission First United Methodist Church. After serving on many committees, Don served as Chairman of the Church Council. He has worked many hours in the church Prayer Garden and helps with E.S.L.
In 2005, with God’s help, Don got together with another lady, Helen Bentsen. Helen had lost her husband, Tommy, just three days before he lost Bonna. They had known each other through the Sunday School class at church as well as seeing each other at museum meetings. They each had been married 55 years prior to the meeting. They were married on September 24, 2005, with all the family’s blessings. They enjoyed traveling as well as singing, both singing in the church choir. Both are active on the McAllen Community Concert Board.
Don is survived by his wife, Helen; brothers, Franklin Reinhardt, Great Bend; Richard Reinhardt (Nadith), Manhattan; sister, Margaret Hahn, Los Altos, Calif.; five children — Russell (Theresa) Reinhardt, Washington, Utah; Cathy (Norm St. Laurent) Reinhardt, Lawrence; Carol Reinhardt, Manhattan; Jon Reinhardt, Jenks, Okla.; Cynthia (Kirk) Rettig, Cincinnati, Ohio. His step-children include Gary (Tanya) Bentsen, San Antonio, Texas; Brad (Janet) Bentsen, Mission, Texas.
Grandchildren include Jessica, Cassandra and Justin Rettig, Aaron (Kaylyn) Reinhardt, Laura (Josh) Hixson, Matt Reinhardt, Erica Castillo, Alexis (Michael) Moyer, Joshua (Tiffany) Bentsen, Liberty Bentsen, Caleb (Jessica) Bentsen, Nathan Bentsen, Matthew (Jackie) Bentsen, Christian Bentsen, Travis (Kimberly) Bentsen plus great-granchildren, nieces and nephews as well.
Memorial services were held at the First United Methodist Church, 1101 Doherty, Mission, Texas, Saturday, March 16, 2019.
Services were under the direction of Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.
Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to First United Methodist Church.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 17, 2019
