Marilyn E. Reinsch

Marilyn Edna (Leininger) Reinsch was born in Sutton, Nebraska, on October 21, 1934. She was the youngest of three children born to John A. and Christena M. (Nevin) Leininger. She died on Monday, August 4, 2025 at Fairview Manor in Fairmont, Nebraska at the age of 90 years, 9 months, and 14 days. Marilyn attended elementary school in Sutton, but the family moved to York in 1949 when her father accepted a job as a John Deere mechanic. She graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1952. Marilyn started working for the gas company in York after graduation. While at a dance with friends, a young GI freshly home from Korea caught her eye, and she caught his as well. On October 22, 1955, Marilyn and Francis J. (Tanny) Reinsch were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in York. They moved to his uncle’s farm northwest of Shickley where Tanny engaged in farming and Marilyn went from being a “city girl” to a full-fledged farm wife. Three children were born to this union; Christine, Patrick, and Laurie. Marilyn and Tanny had a big garden. She canned the abundance of produce each year to enjoy during the winter months. They also sold eggs to help make ends meet. She was a hard worker and kept a spotless house. Marilyn was known for her wild plum jam, homemade caramel sauce, and her mile-high meringue banana cream pies. She was a wonderful cook, and if anyone stopped by, the coffee pot would always be on and there would be some fresh-baked treat awaiting. She loved to host family dinners, and worked diligently to make every guest feel welcome and every dish delicious. Marilyn was one of those women who always looked their best before stepping out of the house. Her clothes, hair, and makeup were always flawless, and woe to you if you were her daughter and were caught without lipstick before leaving home! You always knew where you stood with Marilyn, as she was often direct and spoke her mind. She was known to say, “Well, it’s the truth!” She was fiercely loyal to those she cared for, and would go to bat in a heartbeat to help anyone she thought was being treated unfairly. She was full of life, and was tenaciously proud of her Irish heritage. Although Marilyn and Tanny loved to socialize, dance, and gamble, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren took top priority in her life. Marilyn and Tanny started going to Las Vegas four times a year with friends, and when travel became more difficult, they drove to the boats in Council Bluffs, where they made new friends! She was a devout Catholic her whole life, and was an active member of St. Mary’s Altar Society. She was also a member of the Geneva VFW Auxiliary and the Shickley Legion Auxiliary. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 67 years, Tanny, her son, Patrick, brother and wife Jerome and Elaine Leininger, sister and husband Marcella and Vernon Heinz. Also preceding her in death were in-laws and spouses Evelyn and Jim Dorman, Bill and Dorothy Reinsch, Ron Reinsch, and brothers-in-law Bob Rosener and Claiton Lauber. She is survived by her daughters Christine (Reggie) Sissel and Laurie Reinsch, all of Lincoln, as well as grandchildren and families Theresa (Carl) Monaco and sons, Tyler and Cade of Scottsdale, Katie (Michael) Vech and children, Hannah, Veronica, Julia, Lydia, Mary, and Joseph of Wahoo, and Ross (Bridgett) Sissel and sons Eli, Bennett, and Jude of Kansas City. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Camilla Lauber of Dallas, and Jan Reinsch of Las Vegas, many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her loving caregivers at Fairview Manor as well as Tabitha Hospice. A Mass of Christian Burial for Marilyn was held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Shickley, Nebraska. A Rosary was prayed at 10:30 a.m. at the Church prior to the Mass. Father Harlan Waskowiak presided over the Services. Carol Grote was the organist and Connie Jessen was the cantor and the songs included “I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say,” “Ave Maria,” “Panis Angelicus,” and “O Loving God.” Pallbearers included Ross Sissel, Michael Vech, Tyler Furniss, Dan Leininger, Mike Leininger, and Steve Heinz. Honorary Pallbearers included Ken Wells, Mike Cunningham, Ben Valdez, and Jim Dorman. A Graveside Service was held in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, rural Shickley, Nebraska. Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com Memorials are suggested to the Fairview Manor Lighted Cross Fund or Tabitha Hospice.

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Marilyn E. Reinsch

October 21, 1934 - August 4, 2025