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Wednesday, January 7, 2015
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Lucy Santiago Copado posted a condolence
Thursday, January 28, 2010
I was so saddened to hear about Mr. R's passing. My heart and sincere condolences to Mrs.R & the rest of his family. I must admit that while was in his Humanities class at West I did not appreciate it however just like everything in life, we dont realize how good something is until we don't have it anymore. After that year I realized how much I learned there a lot had to do with Mr. R's passion for the subjects he taught as well as he honestly loved and wanted to share his joys with his students. I visited Mr. R many times throughout the rest of my years at West, to ask for his help on an assignment more often just to chat. He not once ever told me he was busy- always just him with all his papers and COKE! I still look for the focal points in the pictures I look at! He taught me more than Humanities, he taught us about life. He was my absolute favorite teacher of all time. He was tough, didnt take any guff, but had a genuinely good heart that all could see, even if we didnt appreciate it at that time. God Bless you Mr R!! You will be missed FOREVER. Class of 1990- LAST OF THE RAIDERS!
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Marlene Miller posted a condolence
Thursday, January 14, 2010
As a freshman at Waukegan West High School, I was at first terrified by Mr. Reinhardt. My fear quickly grew to respect, then admiration. He was undoubtedly the most memorable and influential teacher I encountered during my high school years. He instilled in me (and others I must assume) a love for theatre and the arts. I am very sorry for your loss. Marlene Stiehr-Miller Waukegan West Class of 1976
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Kent and Linda Morgan posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Dear Cuz, We will never forgotten you after your visited us in Seattle in the later 60's. We all enjoyed each other's company at the play and dinner afterwords as well as the fun ride to Vancouver, Canada for you to catch a train back home. HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quite a ride to Canada with you in the back seat of our new VW Bug! HA!!!!!!!! We will never forget your wonderful humor and how we all laughed!
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Barbara Bishop posted a condolence
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Mrs. Reinhardt, Your husband - always MR. REINHARDT to me - was without a doubt the very best teacher a student could have. Some of us in the Class of '67 didn't realize that for some time though. The first day in his class was intimidating to say the least. However, by the end of the week, I knew he cared about every student and would not settle for less than our best. His wicked sense of humor, kindness, and uncanny ability to motivate even the most unmotivated of students made him a hero for me and thousands of others. Visiting with both of you at our 40th reunion was the highlight of my evening. Seeing him again was like meeting an old friend even though I hadn't seen him since graduation. It was wonderful to see that he hadn't changed and was enjoying retirement years happily with you and Miss Pug. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
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Joyce and Tom McLean posted a condolence
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Dear Ellen—It was with a heavy heart that I opened the envelope with your name alone on the return address. Thank you so much for remembering me and letting me know of John’s passing. I have been reflecting on my tenure as Miss Sprowls (1961-1967) at West Campus and how great it was to know you and John. I smile to recall his warning me about moving to California, because “everything west of the Mississippi is cultural wasteland.” The last time we were together was sometime in the ‘80s, when my husband and I visited with you both over lunch in Waukegan. I love that we have kept in touch all these years, albeit via Christmas cards. Each year, I eagerly awaited John’s messages; it is amazing what he could convey in his usually humorous one- or two-liners—just as he did this year. So many “Reinhardtisms” come to mind when I think of John. When I retired briefly (yes, I am still consulting), he sent me a picture of a pug and said I needed one to remind me that “God has a sense of humor.” My apologies to Miss Pug. John was always entertaining, marvelously intelligent and talented, a fantastic teacher and a loyal friend. I have not seen his wonderful face in years, but will always love and miss him. Dear Ellen, my thoughts are of you, my prayers are for you, and my heart is with you and all of John’s loved ones.
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Frances, Nancy & Claudia posted a condolence
Friday, January 8, 2010
Please accept our sincere sympathy at this very difficult time.
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James A. Panowski posted a condolence
Friday, January 8, 2010
Out lives are a little poorer with John's passing. His thirst for knowledge and love of theatre were an inspiration to all who were privileged to be his friend or student. To paraphrase a line from INHERIT THE WIND: "I can't imagine the world without John Sill Reinhardt!" EXIT THE KING indeed!
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Chris Thomalla posted a condolence
Friday, January 8, 2010
Dear Ellen and all of John's Dear Ones, One of my ex-wrestlers from West informed me of John's passing. I pray that wonderful memories will soften your loss. I know I have many wonderful memories of John from attending historical round tables with him to his 50th birthday roast at West. Strangely enough, I was just now re-reading a Soviet printed copy of the Silent Don by Sholokov that John picked up in Chicago and gave to me. His was a fine man and wonderful teacher.
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Brian Hovey posted a condolence
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Mr. Reinhardt was my Humanities and English teacher in the ISP or IHS from '83 to '87. I was fortunate to see and speak with him at the West High class of '87 reunion.
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Judy Musich posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Dear Ellen - I was so sorry to hear about John's passing. I have many fun memories when we worked together at the high school. I will miss him. I still have the bottle of paco rabanne he gave me one year. We sure laughed about that a lot. Take care of yourself Ellen, you are a wonderful lady.
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Carisa (Miller) Cooney posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Reinhardt's passing. He was one of the finest teachers I ever had, which I think is saying something as I completed a master's degree. I continue to tell stories to my friends & loved ones about my experiences in his classes. He is one of the reasons I have achieved the successes that I have in life. Please know he lives on in my fond memories. Carisa (Miller) Cooney, WWHS c/o 1992
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Diane Donaldson posted a condolence
Monday, January 4, 2010
My sincere condolences to John's family. He was certainly a quality teacher and respected member of the WTHS teaching staff. I will fondly remember our trip together to Deutschland with the high school students. He was such an intelligent, worldly, and fun personality. Blessings to the family. Diane Donaldson, WTHS Class of 1967
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Debbie Concidine posted a condolence
Monday, January 4, 2010
What a wonderful man and a fantastic teacher. He kept you on your toes and made you work hard for your grades. And who could forget that wicked sense of humor! Debbie Concidine Waukegan West Class of 1978
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Marian Your (formerly Bruns) posted a condolence
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Mr. Reinhardt was the most unique and influential teacher I had through high school, college and my graduate studies. He caught my attention and made me really think. So deep was his influence on me that to this day I can not see a macadamia nut without remembering him extolling their virtues to my class! So deep was his influence on me that when I became a high school teacher I told "Mr. Reinhardt stories" to my classes. My biggest regret was that when I moved to Texas immediately after college I lost touch with this wonderful teacher and never had a chance to tell him how strong an influence he had on my life. My greatest wish, throughout my 25 years of teaching, has been that I could touch my students in the way that Mr. Reinhardt touched us. That is his legacy, which will never end.
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Lisa (McGahan) Thibos posted a condolence
Saturday, January 2, 2010
So sad to see the life end of such a larger-than-life man. Like so many others, I was one of Mr. Reinhardt's students and I knew that he really cared about me as an individual (despite being one student of hundreds). Although Mr. Reinhardt presented himself as an intimidating, gruff, no-nonsense teacher, he displayed way too much kindness and humor for us to believe that he was anything other than a phenomenal person. He has left me with some of the best memories from high school, and he will be missed by thousands.
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Brian Mulroney posted a condolence
Friday, January 1, 2010
For a long time I always thought that Mr. Reinhardt "had it out for me" because I wasn't the top student but I also wasn't the bottom student...I was right there comfortably in the middle. That's when it dawned on me: I was comfortably in the middle and he knew that I could do better. There aren't very many high school teachers that take this level of interest in their students...other than John Reinhardt.
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Lasaundra Scott posted a condolence
Thursday, December 31, 2009
'One of a kind' is an UNDERSTATEMENT for Mr. R. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to have been one of his students; my love of the arts and literature has probably been impacted by Mr. R. more than any other person. A relationship that started as teacher-student blossomed into friendship. I will cherish every letter, note, newspaper clipping, book review, play recommendation, and more. Mrs. R., my heart goes out to you... I am praying for you. --Lasaundra
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Denise Kaar (nee) Fogeltanz posted a condolence
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Mr. Reinhardt is the only teacher that I remember from two years at Waukegan High School. And how could I not remember this larger-than-life figure with his booming voice, constant Coca-Cola can, ready laugh and love for the English language? He was a marvelous teacher, inspiring many students to greatness beyond their dreams. So many of us loved Mr. Reinhardt and will always remember him. I remember one class during the Great Expectations course of study. We were very nearly through the book. The classroom had been all atwitter about some rumours flying around. Was it true? Was Mr. Reinhardt really engaged to be married? Of course we asked him, right away, first thing that class period. He just smiled, took a sip of his Coke and dove into our passage for today. One of our more outspoken students declared, "Well, if you're getting married, then I'm Miss Havisham!" Only another sip of Coke and a smile was our response from Mr. Reinhardt. Back to work we went, poring over Pip's troubles. Somewhere near the end of the class, Mr. Reinhardt asked the class a question pertaining to the text. Our outspoken student answered....and when Mr. Reinhardt answered back, he quietly called her "Miss Havisham." The classroom just exploded into applause and laughter. We were happy for him, I suppose. He had become a part of our life and we cared about his too.
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Leo Lazaroff posted a condolence
Thursday, December 31, 2009
You were an inspiration in my 41 years of teaching. Leo Lazaroff WTHS class of 1965
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Leo Lazaroff posted a condolence
Thursday, December 31, 2009
You were an inspiration in my 41 years of teaching. Leo Lazaroff WTHS class of 1965
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Timothy P. Ortiz posted a condolence
Thursday, December 31, 2009
When I was young, I thought this man was going to be the death of me, I saw him many years later and we shared a laugh. He will be missed...
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Lou Boryc posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
John Reinhardt will ways be "Mr. Reinhardt" to me. This is a sign of the utmost respect for one of the most remarkable teachers I have ever experienced. I had him in summer school as well as regular calendar year. He made all of his students want to work harder. His sense of humor and ability to motivate students made him a true professional and unique human. I have taught at the university level for 30 years and have rarely met teacher or mentor who was at Mr. Reinhardt's level. His attendance and "holding court" at our recent reunion made the evening for me. With this history in my mind, I extend my most heartfelt condolences.
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Arnie Berendsen posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Dear Ellen, So sorry to hear of John's rather sudden passing. John and I shared many a good story and our mutual interest in jazz ,particularly Diana Krall and Oscar Peterson, was special I think for both of us. I look forward to the memorial social gathering in the spring. Affectionately, Arnie Berendsen
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Bessie Petty Zackery posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
My deepest sympathy in your loss. My prayers are with you at this time. Bessie Petty Zackery
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Margaret Wieboldt posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Ellen and the Reinhardt Family, Deepest sympathy to you on John's recent death. Holding you close in thought, Margaret Wieboldt
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Tricia Falk posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
I have such vague memories of my childhood, but such vivid ones of Mr. Reinhardt as my humanities teacher at Waukegan West. He was a tremendous teacher who reached for the best from his students. He touched so many lives with meaning. My condolences to the family.
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Steve Caldwell posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
John was one of my teachers at Waukegan West ISP from 1985 -1989. He was quite different from the other teachers at Waukegan West, which made him a wonderful asset and instructor. My friends and I still joke about our classes we had with John, the comments we received, some of the practical joke we played (e.g., the cow femur in the lost-and-found box) and what we learned in the process. One enduring quote we still recite was from a humanities project - everyone had to design and decorate a kite. Our grade was based on the artistic design(s) and how well the kite could fly. One student asked what would happen if his kite would not fly. John's response was: "Then you're going to need a fan. A mammoth fan." John will surely be missed.
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Alicia Renee (Phillips) Berger posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
My deepest and most sincere sympathy is with the family of Mr. Reinhardt. He was my teacher at Waukegan West 1977-1980. My younger brother, Jeffrey Phillips, and I speak about him often and the joy we experienced eight years apart in his classroom. He was an awesome teacher and great asset to the school.
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Greg Eshoo posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
John Reinhardt was a good man. He inspired in myself the hunger for the humanities and culture. He had the gift of helping his students and was a inspirational mentor to me. His legacy will live on through his teaching. He was to me one of my most memorable teachers of my life.
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Dianna (Krehemker) Kilponen posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Mr. Reinhardt, you were the best! You taught me English my freshman and sophomore years, and I truly loved your style and wit. I can still hear you saying in your deep voice "Is anyone working for a D in this class?" Your family can be very proud of you.
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Nancy (Etolen) Miks posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
I was sorry to hear about Mr. Reinhardt's passing and my thoughts and prayers go to his family. He was my teacher and he also was my sons teacher at Waukegan's West Campus. We both thought very highly of him and he will be missed.
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Julie (Martino) Thames posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Mr. Reinhardt was the toughest teacher I ever had. Analogies in Honors English freshman year about killed me! But I couldn't wait to have him again senior year for Honors IV. I was never involved in theatre at Waukegan but when I went to Bradley and started doing lighting and set design, Mr. Reinhardt was one of my greatest supporters. He and Mrs. Reinhardt came to see shows that I worked on at Bradley and later in Chicago, and he never stopped teasing me about not doing theatre at Waukegan. I graduated from Waukegan in 1980 and still think of Mr. Reinhardt often. He was a great teacher and an inspiration to me. He instilled a love of literature in me that I cherish. My mother, Flo Martino, sister to Jeri Whitson also wishes to express her sympathy. Julie (Martino) Thames
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Lisa (Campbell) Macarra posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Mr. Reinhart was the very best teacher I ever had. Unfortunately I foolishly left the ISP program at Waukegan West and only had him for one year. He is the only English teacher who ever understood me and helped improve my skills; he opened my mind to art appreciation as well as the importance of keeping up on current events. This all above and beyond his wonderful personality; he will be missed in my heart and my memories. All the best to the family.
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David Hughes posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
I will always remember John as never settling for imprecision or accepting mediocrity. John helped all of us get more out of ourselves than we thought we could. I will miss his brilliance and his sharp wit. My best to all of you and I hope that he did 'go gentle into that good night'.
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Kendall Mills posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
My deepest condolences to the Reinhardt family on your loss. Mr. Reinhardt will remain one of my favorite teachers. It was apparent that he cared about his students. His passion for the arts was evident to all who encountered him. As one of his students, I was blessed to have experienced his wit and his wisdom. He will be missed.
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Donna White Friedel posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
Mrs. Reinhardt, your wonderfully unique husband will live on forever in our memories. One of my triumphs in high school was winning a can of coke from him in summer American History. I no longer have any idea what we bet about, but I kept that empty can in my room for years! He was a fantastic teacher, wonderful director and fond friend who is inextricably tied up in some of the greatest moments of my high school years...The Lesson, Mother Courage and many more. I can picture Mr. Reinhardt now holding a coke and laughing that deep wonderful laugh of his. I will drink a can of coke to you and the memories, Mr. Reinhardt!
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