Gavin B. Reinke Obituary

Telling my wife about you this morning. Good to know you. RIP Brother

You would be so proud of your daughter. If you could only see her now.

You are still in my thoughts every day. I miss you.

I just learned about your loss. I am so sorry...my son is 31 and can't imagine your pain. We were best of friends in high school, the group of four, that I will never forget. We have lost touch but I want you to know you and your family are in my thoughts. Rest in peace, Gavin. Hero.

remembering you. rest in peace

You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I loved you so very much. I miss you very much.

SSG Reinke, thank you very much. You turned me from a Idiot, to a good soldier and man. Thank you, and hope what ever powers took you, your happy.

SSG Natur

I still miss you so much. I think about you every day. I miss the twinkle in your eyes and your soft laugh.

It's been a while since I've been on here. Just wanted to say that we still miss Gavin. We know he's watching over us from heaven, and that we will meet once again.

Every year as Mother's Day approaches, our family takes a moment of silence in honor of Gavin, who we only knew through the mail. It is our hope that his beautiful family has found some peace and happiness. May your memories bring many smiles.

May 4, 2012
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Gavin B. Reinke:
Always remembering Gavin. "Some gave all."

New Year's Eve 2011...I am thinking about you and missing you lots...Kayleigh is growing up to be such a beautiful young lady...you would be so proud of her...wishing you a beautiful 2012...God bless...

Well, tomorrow is your birthday and I know you are celebrating up in Heaven. I will always remember you Gavin. I think about and miss you every single day. As usual, we will be at Mack's on Christmas Eve. You will be in all our thoughts, hearts, and prayers. I know we will meet again in Heaven. I am not sure what to expect when I get there, but I know I will see your sparkling eyes once again. Happy birthday and Merry Christmas. I do wish you could see Kayleigh. She is so beautiful and smart. She loves and misses you so much. God bless you.

my deepest sympathy to gavins family. i never met gavin, but he sounds like a wonderful man. we will visit his gravesite tomorrow and pray for him and for the family. i wanted to explain arlington to my young son and searched the burial records for our family names. i found gavin, and we will be talking to our son about him and all the servicemen and women. god bless you all, and god bless america.

I will always remember you gavin,we knew one another since pitts middle school.I remember the day I heard of your passing,it made me think of all those summer days we spent playing baseball at jackson park off abriendo.You will be missed always,I thank you for doing what was best for our country.until we meet again brother,god bless and rest in peace.

Just a note to let you know that I have not forgotten Gavin or the family he wrote about in his thank you letters. My family never met him, so to say he is missed by us would not be accurate, so all I can offer is that I remember him and that he left this world just days before Mother's Day. I always think of him when I see the cards in the store. May the memories you all shared with him bring you comfort as another year passes.

Our family has also had to bear a tragedy. The young boy who used to fill boxes for Gavin and write him notes in barely legible hand writing, turned into a wonderful young man. Tomorrow will be 9 months since his sudden and unexpected death.

Rest peacefully Gavin, you touched many lives and are remembered and respected always.

Remembering you today and all days.
Rest in peace.

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Gavin B. Reinke:
Please accept my remembrance of Gavin on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Remembering you.
Rest in peace.

Yesterday came and went like most other days except for one unforgettable event - the lost of Gavin Reinke - killed in combat in Iraq May 4, 2006. You are truly missed and never forgotten.

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Gavin B. Reinke:
Remembering Gavin on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Thinking of you on this sad anniversay. You'll not be forgotten. rest in peace and know you are remembered with deep deep gratitude.

Thinking of you and missing you on this beautiful Easter Sunday...God bless...

I think of you and remember. Rest in peace Gavin.

It is people like you who gave everything so the rest of us could have our freedom. We are able to celebrate July Fouth because of you and so many more like you. I know you are loved deeply and missed terribly. May God not only bless you each and every day, but also watch over and take care of your family. Rest in gracious peace.

I remember- and will keep remembering you and your sacrifice. I know you were loved deeply and are missed terribly.
rest in peace.

To the family of Staff Sgt. Gavin B. Reinke:
Gavin gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

We honor you today on Veteran's Day. We will never forget you and thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you made for your country. We miss you!!

remembering you -veteran's day 2008.
you are missed and will not be forgotten.
rest in peace......

To the family and friends- please know that Gavin will not be forgotten. I read many heartfelt comments that you all shared about him, and I was deeply touched. May his sweet soul rest in eternal peace.
I am so sorry for the loss.

It is another July 4th and you are not with us. We are missing you and thinking about you today more than most. God Bless you, Carole, and Kayleigh.

Remembering you and mourning your loss. May G-d rest your sweet soul.

Gavin,
Wasn't home on Memorial Day, but I was thinking about you all day long. You are truly my hero. I miss you very much and always will. Jim and I are going to meet Carole & Kayleigh next week and bring Kayleigh home with us for a few days. God bless you!

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Staff Sgt Reinke!

Gavin,
I remember you from highschool and wish we could have become better friends. I know the pain your loved ones feel. I lost my brother on July 11, 2005 five days before he was to come home to his new wife for his two week leave. My heart felt wishes and condolences to your family. I'm sure you met my brother TJ by now along with the rest of your buddies. My prayers and thoughts are with your family always.

We are thinking of you today Gavin, Carole and Kayleigh. Thank you for your sacrifice. We will never forget!

Just wishing you well and letting you know your sacrifice will never be forgotten. I hope you are enjoying the beautiful spring weather.

Gavin,
Even though I do not like peanut butter, I ate that Reeses pieces just for you yesterday. Wish you were here to eat one with me. I love you very much and always will. I can still see your twinkling eyes and hear your soft laugh. God Bless Carole and Kayleigh every day. I am having Masses said in your honor all during the month of May. Thank you for being you.

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers today.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”

I did not know Gavin, but I am remembering on
this day he gave his all.
He is my hero.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008

Visit this link to hear the song.

The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Please contact me and I will email you back a copy of my
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.

Two years baby...its hard to believe. I miss you just like it was yesterday and I always will. Kayleigh and I love you and will forever. You were the best we could ever ask for. I love you baby...from the minute I met you and it will never stop

Carole,
Since Gavin loved the Lincoln so much, I always washed the car on May 4th in his memory. Since we sold the Lincoln, I have been thinking long and hard what little gesture I could now do in Gavin's memory on May 4th. I know Gavin loved Reese's pieces. On May 4th from now on I will eat one Reeses piece in memory of Gavin. I never want to forget him. He sacrificed so much for all of us. I miss him so much. I pray for you and Kayleigh every day. Let God be your guide and you will be fine. Don't forget, I am always here for both of you.
Nana

Carole-
I think of you often...I miss you bunches. I am praying for you and Kayleigh all the time...especially this time of year. Please know that I am always here....May God Bless you and yours.
With love always
Jill

Remembering you -remembering your sacrifice. So deeply saddened.

I grew up with your mom. She is part of every childhood memory I have. I remember when you were born, and how happy we all were. Over the years, Karen and I have lost touch. I just recently learned that she had lost her son. I am so heartbroken for her and wanted her to know that she is in my thoughts.

Gavin, we never met but your mom and I are best of friends. We have something in common, I too lost my son Sgt Blake A Harris on March 5 2007, he was my only child. Your mom has helped me through some touch times she is an amazing woman. You were lucky to have her for your mom. Until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Love, Deborah Harris-Pueblo Co

Gavin, you are much loved and very missed each day. Carole and Kayleigh are amazing women. They are getting stronger and healthier.
May God Bless and Keep each one of you close to him. Love, Lisa

Well, the Lincoln is gone. I know you loved to drive that car. It was getting just too much for me to handle. I know you will understand.
We loved every minute of Carole and Kayleigh's visit at Easter. When we were coloring eggs with Kayleigh, Carole noted that the first place the two of you ever colored Easter eggs was in our kitchen when you were dating.
Kayleigh had a wonderful Easter and I am certain that you were looking down at her enjoy it all.
I miss and love you very much. You will nevere be forgotten by me.
Love always.

SSG Reinke you were a great leader and i look up to u and have great memories of you i hope you look out for me cuz u never leave my thoughts

now that my time has come to get out i feel that i can leave a message ssg reinke you are missed... i guess thats about all i can say YOU ARE MISSED

Just thinkging about you and missing you so much. I am still taking care of the Lincoln for you. I think its days are numbered though. We are going to have to sell it. I got a new car and I will let it take the Lincoln's place for you. I love miss you very much. God bless you, Carole, and Kayleigh. I will be thinking about you always.

Keeping Gavin and his family in my thoughts and prayers. Please know he is not forgotten.

Missing you and wishing you a very Merry Christmas. I will wash the Lincoln for you during the holiday season. You and your family are always in my prayers.

Remembering you and your family on your birthday.

Remembering you. Remembering your family.

This Veteran's Day caused me to think about you and miss you more. I remember the Christmas I gave you my Daddy's American flag I received when my Daddy died. You were the perfect person to give that flag to and now you are gone. I hope Carole and Kayleigh will always treasure my Daddy's flag as I know you did. You were truly the perfect soilder and will always be remembered on Veteran's Day and every other day.

You are missed so very much by so many people. This Labor Day would be complete if you were here to celebrate it with us. God bless you and your girls.

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

Remembering you and wishing strength to your loved ones missing you.

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Staff Sgt Reinke and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

To Gavin's family,
My heart goes out to you. I am Lisa West's dad. I have heard what a great guy and soldier he was. I know he made an impact on many people.
We lost another of our own Sgt. Maj. Bradly Dean Conner on May 9th. My wifes cousin. It is not an easy thing to be a father, husband and a soldier. It is also not eay to be a wife or a family member of a soldier.
I was raised in Kremmling, Colorado and am a viet nam vet.
Thank you

Gavin,
It was been a hard year for everyone since you passed, especially for Carole & Kayleigh. Please watch over them, & the rest of our family as we go through another loss.
Love, Susan

Carole,
Thinking of all three of you all the time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all the time. Take care of that beautiful girl.
Love,
Mom

Carole-
God bless and watch over you and Kayleigh. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Mom

Carole-
Thinking of you during this time-you are in my thoughts and prayers always. Let me know if I can do anything for you or Kayleigh. Miss you. god bless you both-love always jill

Gavin,
Well, it has been a whole year without you. Miss you so much! Had masses said in memory of you at Aquinas College and Christ the King Church. Watch over Carole and Kayleigh. We all miss your being here with us. Love always!

Just wanted you to know we miss you more each day.. Samantha done you proud today..she wore your Broncos Jersey and your Necklace..She loves you Gavin and misses you more than I could ever say..

Remembering Gavin on the anniversary of his death. He is still thought of, and his family prayed for. Wishing you strength to endure.

I can't write you tommorow baby...it will be too hard. Today and everyday without you are hard enough. I love you so much and can't imagine the rest of my life without you in it here with me. But on Kayleigh and I go like you would want us to. We miss you so much and always will. Take care of Bryan and Caleb and the three of you continue to watch over all of us. I love you Gavin.

Thinking of you today. This must be a difficult day for you. Please know there are many people remembering your husband Gavin today and keeping your family in their thoughts and prayers.

God is watching over you and Kayleigh to make sure you are ok. The hurting will grow less as time goes by. I love you both. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Mom

Not a day goes by that you are not thought about. Continue to watch over your family - they miss you so. You were so loved.

8 months Gavin and it still feels like yesterday to me. I miss you in so many ways I can't even put into words. I love you always and forever.

Carole and Kayleigh,
Just wanted to let you know that I was thinking about you both today. Give yourselves hugs for me.
Ms. Manda

Dear Carole,
I was going through the slideshow of pictures on MSNBC ‘Year in Pictures’ and saw the caption ‘An Army wife grieves’. I paused, as I read the caption that told a brief story of U.S. Army Spc. Bryan Quinton, 24. Upon further research I noted that your husband was taken in the same tragic explosion. I left this message posted to Cyndi and now I am leaving it to you and your family. As a consultant who travels weekly by plane I come across many soldiers either returning or going to the battlefield, seldom reflecting on what the true cost of fighting for freedom is. I just want to say to you and your family, Thank You for such a high cost that Gavin lay on the alter of freedom. May God Bless you and keep you, remember he is with you always. Merry Christmas

We just want to let you know that we are thinking of you this holiday season. We hope you laugh often, smile everyday, and partake in all of the joys the holidays bring. So, as you make holiday preparations and are busy wrapping gifts and checking tasks off a to do list, know that you and your beautiful daughter are kept in the thoughts and prayers of more people than you can imagine. Your husband's memory will never fade and neither will the good wishes and kind thoughts for your family.

Merry Christmas

Keeping Gavin and his family in my thoughts and prayers. I know this is a very difficult time of year for you all to go through. I hope you find some warmth and comfort in remembering his love and life.

7 months today Gavin and it still seems like yesterday. I think about you everyday and what we would be doing together. Know I love you now and always and Kayleigh and I will never forget you.

Carole,
God bless you and Kayleigh. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Mom

Carole-
Thinking of you and Gavin often. May God look after all of you and give you peace.
With love
Jill

Gavin, thank you for making the greatest sacifice and giving your life for your family and your country. Please look after Carole and Kayleigh as they go through these difficult times, and as the holidays approach.

God bless your family. They are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Five months and we still miss you and will never forget you Gavin. You were the best that there was.

Remembering Gavin. Rest in peace.

Three months ago today the world lost an amazing man, soldier, father, and husband. It still seems like just yesterday Gavin. Please continue to watch over me and give me strength while I try and find my way in this world without you by my side. I love you Gavin

First of all I want to sent my condolences to Carole, his parents and family, thank you for sharing with us.

My name SGT Paris Archibald; I had lost alot of friends during OIF but these time I lost another Sapper brother and a great Role Model; yes I know that you are in a better place than us but I still miss you and I wish that you would be here with us. But dont worry we still here and we will continue the legacy that you left on all of us that had the privilege to be or work around you. When I find out I was back at home recovering , yes they got me again but I`m back here to finish up the job; yes we have the the tougher Job in here but it take a Great Squad Leader like you to Lead the Way. It was hard to go out and do the job. but every time as long somebody like you is around; we feel more confident. You are a thue HERO and just for your country but to all of us here serving the country. Every time that a Sapper go out and do his job in the new World of IED`s he that what that may be the last time that he may do it but he know that it need to be not only to accomplish whatever is the mission but to give somebody else a chance. SSG Reinke your are a great lost for all of us you were a great example for all of us; you were a Role Model, One of the finest NCO,a friend, a great Parent and Husband.

There is one thing for sure in every soldier that work with you or around you, have something from you, you shared with us your skills and Knowledge either on or off duty. You were a great guy, you had big heart you were always trying to help somebody, you were hard when you needed to be and at the same you were always there for us. You were like a parent, a brother you were family.



Love You and You will be miss, You always be in my mind, skin, but more importand in my heart.



Sappers Foward.

Fightin` Fifth

Gavin,

You made Carole the happiest person in Nashville six years ago on July 8th. I miss you so much., the twinkle in your eyes to your soft laugh. God be with you forever. Watch over Carole and Kayleigh always. They love you very much, as I do also.

Today was the happiest day of our lives Gavin. I miss you so much and will never forget you. Life will never be the same without you walking in the door at night. I love you always baby.

The price this Young Soldier and his family paid for this country will never be forgotten... Rest well in the arms of our Precious Lord.

May God's comfort and blessings continue to be with Gavin's family.

I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ag0.

Romans 8:18

The price this Young Soldier and his family paid for this country will never be forgotten... Rest well in the arms of our Precious Lord.

May God's comfort and blessings continue to be with Gavin's family.

I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ag0.

Romans 8:18

Carole-

Just wanted to let you know that I think of you and Kayleigh daily-you are in my thoughts and prayers constantly. Please know that people her in Nashville are thinking of you. Let me know if I can do ANYTHING. I love you!!!

JIll

Carole,

I thought about Gavin all night long. I miss him so much. Every time I close my eyes, I see his twinkling eyes and his sweet smile. I know he is in Heaven waiting for the rest of us. I know he is smiling down on us all, especially you and Kayleigh. Take care my daughter. I pray for you and Kayleigh every day. Let me know if I can help you in any way.

Love,

Mom

I did not know Gavin but I saw your pictures and after reading the comments- I was touched. I am sorry for his family - it is obvious that the world is a lesser place due to Gavin not being here.

Although words can't replace you, my family of 7 is forever grateful to you for your service and protecting this country that we live in. Thank you for having the "courage" to fight for this country and fight for freedom and to also strive for better things in your life. What an example you were while on this earth! I pray your family will have God's peace one day after the shock of losing you is still not so fresh. You are what makes American's proud! My family does not forget this verse either..." No greater love hath any man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend " John 15:13

With love from Michigan this Orlando born mother sends her deepest sympathy~

Carole,

I know nothing can be said to ease the pain you are feeling during this time of you loss. I know Gavin was your world, and you were Gavin's world, until KayLeigh came along and then she became a part of both of your world's. You all have a love which can NEVER be replaced. You could see it in your eyes when you looked at each other. Gavin was a patient and caring man, and he made you and patient and loving women. I am so sorry for what happened and I wish I could help the pain go away, but I know that I can't. Please let me know if I can do anything for you or KayLeigh.

Love your sister,

Susan Hollis

Carol,



It was an honor serving with you husband during OIF 1 when i was a part of the Bco. Im extremely sorry for your loss and i wish that i could have been with the 5th. I pray daily for you, your children, and the rest of your family and friends. My condolences go out to you and your family. Gavin was doing an honorable deed and it will never be fogetten by me or my family. God bless you and all the Soldiers that have paid the ultimate price for freedom. Soldiers and other great leaders like Gavin are the true heroes who make this country what it is today. As i said, it was an honor to be in the same platoon as SSG Reinke during OIF 1.

With Regards,



CPL Lepczyk, Christopher J

US Army Recruiter

Flagstaff, AZ

Carole,

I know that there are very few words to comfort you. The loss of Gavin is so heartbreaking, the pain so deep. Gavin was a great man and he loved you so much. I know it must hurt worse than anything you have ever felt before and if I could take that pain away, I would. I pray that God will give us all strenth to get through the long road ahead. You are an amazing woman, much stronger than anyone ever knew. I am here for you ALWAYS. You are my sister in every way but one.

Love ya,

Gretch

Dear Mrs. Reinke,



It is with a heavy heart that I send my condolences to your family. Although I never met your husband face to face, I know he was a good man. We never sat down to eat a meal with him or watch the Broncos play on Sunday, so in that respect he was a stranger. However, his character and personality were evident in his correspondence and my family and I cared for him. Our children delighted in putting packages together to send him in the hopes that he wouldn’t think Sponge Bob fruit snacks or Scooby Doo granola bars were too silly. I can only imagine him laughing about the antics of our children or being terribly bored while reading about what was going on here in Chicago in my weekly letters. He never complained and was always gracious with his kind words. He mentioned in his letters how much he loved his family and that he was proud to serve his country. If you would like to have the letters, please let me know. My husband and I send our sincerest condolences to you and your daughter. May you find comfort and peace during this very difficult time.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Reinke family. I never met SSGT Reinke but I bet he was a brave and compassionate person. My Brother SPC Martin is currently serving his second tour of duty in Iraq with the 5th Engineering Battalion. I’m certain that these two valiant soldiers knew each other in one way or another. I will pray so that the soldiers of the 5th Engineering Battalion come back home safe.