Reinecke, Charles 1840 - 1922

REINECKE, STRANGE, WAGNER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 7/1/2020 at 10:01:48

Elkader Register, Thur., 12 Oct. 1922.

Charles Reinecke, veteran newspaper publisher of Elkader, passed away at his home here this afternoon at 12:15. He has been in poor health for some years.

Mr. Reinecke, who had attained the ripe age of 82 years, was born in Calbe a. S. Saxony on January 29th, 1840, the son of Louis and Henrietta (Strange) Reinecke, both of whom were natives of Calbe. The thorough and efficient schools of the little Saxon city furnished the foundation for the broad education which characterized him.

At the age of 15 he entered the office of the "Wochenblatt" published at Hettstaedt, Prussia, 25 miles from his early home, and there he learned the printers trade. After an apprenticeship of five years in this city he went to Brunswick and entered a book printing establishment, where he remained for a little more than a year. Following the custom of Germany, Mr. Reinecke perfected himself in his trade by working in different offices and along different lines: he next went to South Germany, where he worked for six months in a printing office in Baden.

In 1866 Mr. Reinecke determined to avail himself of the wider opportunities offered in the new world and he emigrated to America, locating first in Freeport, Illinois. Here he entered the office of the "Anzeiger," in which he worked until the early part of 1871.

While at Freeport, on June 21, 1870, Mr. Reinecke was married to Fredericka Wagner, daughter of William Wagner, and in August 1871, with his young bride came to Elkader, purchasing the "Nord Iowa Herold" which had been started by Joseph Eiboeck in January 1868. This publication Mr. Reinecke was connected with as owner or part owner until the time of its suspension in September 1916, when Mr. Reinecke retired from the newspaper field to spend his remaining days in quiet retirement.

Mr. Reinecke gave himself wholeheartedly to the work of his business, both in the mechanical and editorial departments. He was a man of strong conviction but of kindly and genial disposition. Through his newspaper and through the example of his daily life he had been a constant force for good in the community and earned the affectionate esteem of all the people in the county.

Mr. Reinecke was a splendid example of the American of German birth, who has made this country his own and very ____ who gave his best to the upbuilding of this community.

Mr. Reinecke was the father of five sons, of whom four, with his faithful wife, survive: the surviving sons are Wm. F. of Strawberry Point, Max C. of Sioux Falls, S.D., Richard of St. Paul and Carl L. of this place, now connected with the "Clayton County Messenger." One son, Alexander C., died a few years ago. A number of grandchildren and other relatives survive.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. at the residence and will be in charge of the Masonic Lodge of Elkader. Burial will be in the East Side cemetery.

As a friend and neighbor of Mr. Reinecke for many years, the editor of the REGISTER will cherish his memory until a similar summons comes, and we extend our deepest sympathy to the bereaved wife and sons in their sorrow.