Otto Reinbold

Funny, hard working and a master, "Mr. Fix-It", Otto Reinbold was a man of character who was likable and loved. A travelin' man who liked the open road under the wheels of his RV, he was also a great storyteller to the delight of many. All that and so much more, the memory of Otto will forever be etched in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Otto's own story began at the height of the Great Depression. By 1930, the average American income decreased by 40%. As America fell deeper into the depths of hardship, countless families continued to lose their jobs, their homes, and dreams for the future. To keep spirits high, people found pleasure in little things like board games, baseball, and taking in a picture show as a welcome deviation from everyday worries. For Loid and Ruby (Kooima) Reinbold of Pavilion Township, Michigan, the days could not have been brighter when on November 10, 1930 they welcomed the birth of their first child, Otto into their hearts.

Times were hard during Otto's first few years. His parents, however, were hard working people who managed to get by through these times of struggle. His father worked in a local factory, and his mother was employed as a nanny, and together they worked the farm they owned when Otto was young. The eldest of four children, he later welcomed his younger siblings, Helena, Doris, and Howard. Along with his studies growing up attending the Vicksburg area schools, Otto learned the value of hard work helping on the family farm and doing odd jobs for neighbors.

Following his educational years, Otto joined the service during the Korean War. While in the service, he took classes to become a mechanic. After his honorable discharge at the war's end, Otto was equipped with a skill to support his career. He was also ready to settle down and begin a family of his own. He married a gal named Virginia Rice, and for the next 14 years they raised their three children, Pamela, Kathleen, and Nancy. Although his marriage to Virginia later came to an end, he was grateful for the three wonderful children from their union.

Otto loved working with his hands and solving issues mechanically. For 25 years, he worked as a mechanic for the Kalamazoo County Road Commission and made many friends there throughout the years. In 1968, it was friendship that brought Otto to become reacquainted with Marjorie Smith, a girl he knew from his childhood. While visiting the home of his good friend, LD, Otto was reintroduced to LD's sister, Marjorie who was there as well. With shared attraction, she especially loved Otto's likable and funny ways. Now, some 25 years or so later, Otto was with the woman who came to hold his heart for the rest of his days.

On April 24, 1971, Otto and Marjorie were happily married at the Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene. Marjorie's five children, Shirley, Ruby, Gerald, Rebecca, and Sam added much to Otto's life and he took them on as if they were his own. Three of their children, Sam, Pam and Becky, were still quite young and in school. Together their family of eight children blended particularly well.

Otto was one to tinker and always had his hands on something good to fix. He was a master at it, and didn't waste any time getting down to the nuts and bolts business of fixing something that needed repair. No matter what he was doing or where he was going, he was always eager to "get the show on the road". Whenever someone had a repair issue or problem, Otto was the one to call. If need be, he could even talk them through it, step-by-step, right over the phone. Always willing to lend a hand, he offered his skills selflessly. Over the years he also worked part-time in the construction trade. In fact, he even built a home from the bottom up which brought him great satisfaction and enjoyment.

In his free time, Otto loved fishing and in his younger years, enjoyed hunting. He liked the sounds of country western music and in his earlier years frequented the dance hall in Leonidas to go dancing on the weekends. A tried and true "wheeler dealer", Otto had a love for cars and had several in his collection. He put his negotiating skills to good use buying cars. He worked on them and then resold them for a profit. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Vicksburg VFW where he took in some of the activities and enjoyed friendships where he was a well liked fellow. Otto and Marjorie shared a love for the open road. They traveled all over the country in their RV and visited most of the 50 states with the exception of a few of the eastern states.

For the last seven years, Otto and Marjorie made their home on Austin Lake. They thoroughly enjoyed family get-togethers and made many memories to be long remembered. A storyteller at heart, Otto captivated the imaginations of young and old alike with his unforgettable stories. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Otto L. Reinbold of Portage, passed away on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife 40 years, Marjorie; three daughters: Pamela (Bob) Gettys of Battle Creek, Kathleen Cook of Lawton, and Nancy Drenth of Portage; five step-children: Shirley (John) Heath of Fulton, Ruby (Al “Ed”) Smith of Kalamazoo, Gerald (Kathy) Smith, Jr. of Kansas, Rebecca (Gary) Atz of Georgia, and Sam (Deb) Smith of Three Rivers; 24 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; his sister, Doris (Kirt) Stretton of Portage; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Helena, and brother, Howard.

A memorial service celebrating Otto's life will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2012, 11:00 AM at Fulton Christian Church with Pastor Noah Miller officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. For those who wish, contributions to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a favorite memory or photo of Otto and to sign his online guest book. The family is being assisted by the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main Street, Vicksburg (269) 649-1697.