Jack Reinhardt, age 91, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024, in Wheeling, Illinois. Beloved by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and many friends, he will be dearly missed.

     He was born November 11, 1932, in Krnjaja (Kernei), Yugoslavia to Jacob and Annemarie Reinhardt. After arriving in the United States at age 18, Jack came to Chicago and began working as a baker at Thompson’s Bakery in Park Ridge. He soon met and married the love of his life, Johanna. Shortly after being married, he was drafted into the United States Army and served for two years, with time spent overseas in Japan and Korea. While serving overseas, Jack earned his citizenship. After returning from service, Jack and Johanna opened Edgebrook’s Dry Cleaning and Laundry on Devon Avenue in Chicago. For over 35 years, Jack worked tirelessly building a business cherished by the community and loved by his loyal customers.

Driven by a resilience formed in youth, he was known for his strong work ethic, dedication to quality, helpful nature, and general persistence in all that he did. Not only was this evident in his business, but also in his efforts at organizing new soccer clubs around Chicago, volunteering to coach when needed, being active in German cultural societies, and a generosity to local causes.

     Jack’s greatest joy, however, was his family. As a proud husband to Johanna for 55 years, and with four children, six grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren, he loved spending time cheering family on at sporting events, grilling on his backyard patio, watching soccer games, cooking for holiday gatherings, and retelling stories of the past. He enjoyed hosting family and friends from Germany, as well as tending to his meticulously maintained vegetable garden, riding bikes with grandkids around his Lincolnwood neighborhood, or laying on his favorite beach in Sarasota.

With a kind smile, strong will, and eagerness to do good for those around him, Jack possessed a deeply lovable quality. He had a relentless, determined spirit that kept him active and full of life, but also carried him through many hardships. Jack leaves behind a wonderful legacy of a life well lived; one that had a positive impact on so many.

     He is survived by his sons, Ronald (Maria) and Michael (Christine) Reinhardt, and his daughter, Caroline (Timothy) St. Clair; his grandchildren Katherine and Anthony Reinhardt, and Amir (Sara) St. Clair, Samantha (Larry) Hau, Nathaniel (fiancée Emily) St. Clair, Kaytlin (Mitchell) Gilbert. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Annemarie, his wife, Johanna, and his son, Anthony.

     Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 22 from 4-8pm at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave. Chicago, IL, 60646. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 10am at Queen of All Saints Basilica, 6280 N. Sauganash Ave. Chicago, IL 60646. Interment will follow at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles, Il. In lieu of flowers memorials in Jack's name would be appreciated to either Misericordia or the American Cancer Society.