Obituary of John Reinhardt

John Sill Reinhardt, 78, was born in Canton, IL, on May 23, 1931, and died suddenly at home on December 24, 2009. Having been graduated from Lewistown High School, John attended Bradley University with a double major in Humanities and Theater. After receiving his B.A., he went directly into the army and served most of his years in Colorado Springs. When he left the service, he returned to Peoria and taught at Manual High School until moving to Waukegan in 1959 with the opening of West Campus. He remained there until his retirement in 1992, teaching English, Humanities, and American Studies and directing student plays, several of which won District and Sectional awards and competed in the State Finals. Active in Peoria's Cornstalk Theater and Mr L's Tent Theater in Waukegan, after retirement he branched out in his acting career, continuing to act and direct for Bowen Park and Community Players but also acting professionally in Chicago Theaters: Steppenwolf, Touchstone, and Organic. He also served on the boards of directors for the Wisconsin Idea Theater, Huron Theater in Chicago, and Stage lI at College of Lake County and in Waukegan. John, a true Renaissance man, enjoyed all kinds of music, books, theater, food, Coca Cola, and travel, especially taking students to Europe. Except for soccer, he did not enjoy sports and was infamous for having read his Time magazine during a University of Michigan football game. Most of all he enjoyed his students and maintained many long-time friendships with them. John was preceded in death by his parents, August and Anita Reinhardt of Lewistown, IL, and aunts and uncles on both sides of the family. He is survived by his wife, Ellen; a brother, David (Mary) Reinhardt of Genoa, IL; nieces Amy (Jim) Mihalik of Belvedere, IL, Heidi Reinhardt of Genoa, IL, nephew, John (Beth) Reinhardt of Chicago; and Miss Pug. Services were private. A memorial gathering will be held in the spring. Those who wish may donate in his name to Save-A- Pet (a no-kill facility) at 31664 N. Fairfield Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030 "Exit the King"