Gladys Laura Reinarts passed away December 26, 2021, at Sleepy Eye Medical Center, surrounded by her family.
Gladys was born February 18,1936. She grew up at the Haala family farm in Albin Township. She attended the Little Red Country School near Stark. Gladys’ life was completely surrounded by the needs of her family. She truly dedicated everything to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved cooking and baking for her family. Some of her joys in life were being a cook at Sleepy Eye Public School where she was well-known to give extra helpings to the athletes. She also worked in the cafeteria at Del Monte and Divine Providence for several years. She enjoyed sewing.
Gladys married her late husband, Lester, of almost 60 years, on April 3,1956. They were dedicated to watching sporting events of their own children through their great grandchildren. They loved to attend dances and play cards in their early years. They both enjoyed listening to polka music and they cherished family fishing trips.
Gladys was a woman of deep faith. She was devoted to praying the rosary daily, helped at funerals, and gave to the needs of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Sleepy Eye. Her devout beliefs prepared her for everlasting life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Gladys is remembered for expressing her unconditional love, truly holding the Reinarts family together by weaving the four generations at family gatherings. She was fortunate in having many visitors, everyone helping themselves to the goodies in the kitchen, or as she would say, “whatever you can find.” Not a single grandchild grew up without Grandma’s hamburger hot dish, or mashed potatoes and corn. She was infamous for her German potato salad taking on the request and making it with pride.
Gladys is survived by her eight children, Gail (Mark) Bertrand, Sheri (Dale) Tjernagel, Shirley (Ed) Hornick, Doug (Deb Seidl), Randy (Deb), Kevin (Tammy Schenk), Scott (Darla), and Janelle (Terry) Kopacek, 23 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren, and her sister Delores Spaeth, in-laws Joleen (Tom) Greene, LaVonne (Sylvester) Fischer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Theresa Haala, husband, Lester Reinarts, brothers Elmer (Mabel) Haala, Walter (Mildred) Haala, Wilbert (Angie) Haala, Vernard Haala, her sister Orlene (Harold) Kral, brother in law, Sylvester Spaeth, Dennis (Loraine) Reinarts, Leon Reinarts, Marvin (Delores) Reinarts, and grandson, Jeremy Reinarts.
VISITATION
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Thursday, December 30, 2021
St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
11:00 am
Thursday, December 30, 2021
St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye
