Leonard George Reinhardt passed away on July 13, 2024, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was born July 18, 1943, in Saint Louis.
Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years (1965-2023), Janice M. Reinhardt (nee Mielke); his parents, Lester Francis and Mary Delores Reinhardt (nee McGuire); brother, Richard Reinhardt; and sister, Jane Evans (nee Reinhardt).
Survived by his children, Lisa (Stan) Drew, Bradley (Jodi) Reinhardt, Jennifer (Alec) Lappe, and “Baby Brother” (his cherished Maltese, Gunner); his grandchildren, Justin (Ashley), Gabriela (Chris), A.J., Alana, Noah, Ben, Jett, and Tyler; great grandchildren, Alivia, Ethan, Amelia, Cristian, Camila, Isabela, and Eleana; twin brother, Lester Reinhardt, Jr.; sister, Marilyn Loschen (nee Reinhardt); and brother, Robert Reinhardt.
Len courageously served his country and his community as a police officer and in the Missouri Air and Army National Guards. He was a police officer for St. Louis County Police Department for 27 years from 1969 to 1996. During his storied career, he worked as a Robbery/Homicide Detective, investigated high profile cases as a member of the Major Case Squad, was an expert firearm marksman, and was the self-appointed “Mayor” of Meachem Park. In the National Guard, he served over 20 years and earned the rank of Master Sergeant. Even long after retirement, he continued to serve his community as a volunteer in the Emergency Department at St. Anthony’s Hospital.
Len never met a stranger. He couldn’t go in anywhere in the greater South County area, Key West, or certain undisclosed locations throughout the United States and not be greeted by a “Hey, Lenny!”
Like his father before him, he created stained glass art. He loved traveling the country with his wife and family in his RV, often not too far from a fishing hole. His family was very important to him. Despite a demanding career, he would do everything he could to make every family dinner, holiday, performance, and sporting event.
He loved sports. He coached successful select soccer teams and enjoyed watching his Cardinals, Blues, and Chiefs. On the basketball court, Papa stressed, “Always leave on a good note,” and would insist on making a shot before leaving. Lenny, dad, pop, papa left on a good note. A large family and many, many close friends will greatly miss him and cling to dear memories.
Len was also a Third-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. The foundation for Len’s courage in the face of the wickedness he battled throughout his career, his steadfast commitment to serving his community and country, and his devotion to his family, was his unwavering faith. With great love and admiration, we bid him go forth, warrior of Christ, from this world and find well-earned peace in His Kingdom.
Services: Visitation will be from 9-10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 4696 Notre Dame Ln., House Springs, MO 63051. There will be a Funeral Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace at 10 a.m. The burial will be immediately following at St. Peter & Paul Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please share in Len’s commitment to service, community, and country with a donation to the BackStoppers. The BackStoppers provides ongoing needed financial assistance and support to the spouses and dependent children of all police officers, firefighters and volunteer firefighters, and publicly funded paramedics and EMTs who have lost their lives or suffered a catastrophic injury in the line of duty. Donation Address: The BackStoppers, PO Box 795168, Saint Louis, MO 63179-070, or https://backstoppers.org/donate/. Or, have Masses said in his name at the church of your choice.
Brad,
What a wonderful life your Dad had! So many of his special traits were handed on to you! I hope your countless memories of him get you through this time. God bless you and your awesome family!