Jerome "Jerry" John Reinhard

Jerome John Reinhard, age 101, of Fort Recovery, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Otterbein Senior Living Center in St. Marys, Ohio

He was born on October 25, 1925, in St. Joe, to the late Joseph and Odelia (Brackman) Reinhard. Jerry was the oldest and last of the Reinhard children.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Irene (Otte) Reinhard, whom he married on September 12, 1953 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Catholic Church in Cassella, Ohio, and passed away on April 11, 2020; his infant daughter, Lisa; his grandson, Nicholas Wuebker; his great grandson, Tanner Kahlig; and his siblings, Eugene (Edna) Reinhard, Irene (Belton “Bill”) Gardner, Dominic Reinhard, Norbert (Florence) Reinhard, Sr. Sylvia “Lucille” Reinhard, Ethel (Gerald) Bruns, Joseph (first wife: Shirley, second wife: Ermie) Reinhard, and Robert “Bobby” Reinhard. Jerry was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Hilda (Frank) Stammen, Lauretta (Lawrence) Meyer, Marie (Aloys) Unrast, Alvina (Richard) Kunk, Urban Otte, Louis (Irene) Otte, Bernadine (Edward) Stammen, Alma (Jerome) Fullenkamp, Leonard (Loretta) Otte, Albert (Lenore) Otte and Dorothy (Bernard) Gaerke.

Jerry is survived by his children, Patrick "Pat" (Nancy) Reinhard of Fort Recovery, Carol (Nick) Kahlig of Coldwater, Steve (Kim) Reinhard of Fort Recovery, Janice (Steve) Wuebker of Summerfield, North Carolina, and Charles "Chuck" (Krista) Reinhard of Oakland, California; his grandchildren, Amy, Matt, Chris, Greg, Deanna, Tyler, Ashleigh, Ben, Maddie, Henry, Isabella and Jake; his 20 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry was a lifelong farmer who raised grain crops, along with turkeys and hogs. In 1953, he purchased a milk distribution company, from Vernon Shivley, marking the beginning of Reinhard Dairy, where he distributed Meadow Gold products. Over the years, he built the business through door-to-door milk deliveries and retail sales throughout the area. Jerry remained dedicated to his milk route until May 2006, when he finally retired at the age of 80.

Beyond farming and operating the dairy, Jerry was deeply involved in his community and dedicated much of his time to serving others. He was a member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church Choir for 67 years. In 1955, he joined the Knights of Columbus Council 3324, where he later served as Grand Knight from 1970 to 1971. Jerry had a lifelong love of music and singing. At the age of 18, he joined the St. Joe Choir, beginning what would become a lasting part of his life. In 1990, he started the Thien Snipps, a male harmony group that continued performing until 2020.

Jerry also gave back to his community through numerous leadership roles. He served as past chairman of the Fort Recovery Chamber of Commerce and the Harvest Jubilee, served on the Mary Help of Christians Parish Council, and was a member of the Mercer County Joint Township Community Hospital Board of Governors from 1985 until 2001.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Fort Recovery. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Guests may visit with Jerry’s family on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again on Wednesday from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at Brockman Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery. A Knights of Columbus prayer service will begin at 6:45 PM. 

Memorial contributions may be given to the Fort Recovery Community Foundation.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.brockmanboeckmanfh.com.