REINIGER, KEN and ROSE

I was born in Wilkie Union Hospital on August 10, 1946, the second son of John and Millie Reiniger. I spent my preschool years on the farm, near Leipzig, Sask., tagging along after Mom, Dad or my older brother, Ed. Eventually there were two younger brothers, Dave and Bob.

At age six, my education began at the Leipzig Public School. The school was under the supervision of the Sisters of Notre Dame, who gave us the best education possible. Straps were still in use at that time and used often. As there were no "aerobic" classes back then, I'd say we kept our teachers in good shape. I remember one report card coming home with an "N" (need help) for conduct, and on the back under parents comments Dad wrote "use more leather".

I left school in 1962, and began helping Dad on the farm during the summer. My winter months were spent in construction and in the oil patch.

In 1968, I married Rose, daughter of Joe and Bernie Sander of Wilkie. At this time, we made our home in Wilkie. From here, I helped Dad on the farm during the summer and the winters found me in the oil fields. Our "first family" was born here, Sheri in 1969 and John in 1970. During this time Rose was kept busy raising our family.

In 1975 saw us making a move to the third generation Reiniger family farm near Leipzig. It was during this time we watched our town die from "progress"; losing our store, school, and elevators to neighbouring towns. As our "first family" got older, Rose and I decided to start a "second family". Our second son, Joey arrived in 1977 and then in 1980 during the Leipzig homecoming weekend, "our baby", Kristen was born. I continued to farm and work in the oil patch to augment the family farm income.

At present, 1990 sees the family growing up and away from Leipzig. Sheri, who attended school at Leipzig and St. George from grades 1 to 9 and then to McLurg from 10 - 12, graduated in 1987. She went to Kelsey in Saskatoon, graduated from the "Diploma Nursing" course and is presently employed as a R.N. at the University Hospital in Saskatoon.

John, also attended school at Leipzig, St. George and McLurg, graduated in 1988. He went on to Kelsey, taking heavy duty mechanics and is employed in Saskatoon.

Joey is in grade 7, and Kristen is in grade 4 at St. George in Wilkie. Helping on the farm, ball, music and other interests keep them busy.

We still live on the family farm. I farm during the summer and work out winters. Rose is busy with the two youngest children and works at the Poplar Courts Nursing Home in Wilkie





Last Updated: Tuesday, February 12, 2002