Phyllis H Reininger

Phyllis was born in Syracuse, New Jersey to FW Harder and Myrtle P. (Gerst) Harder. Phyllis was the second of three girls, Betty McClellan (eldest) and Joanne (youngest). Her parents were both offspring of immigrants who settled in New York State.

Phyllis enjoyed a wonderful childhood and attended the Kimberly Academy School in Montclair, NJ - Class of 1945 where she participated in golf, tennis and had her own car! Upon graduation, Phyllis attended Skidmore College in Saratoga, New York where she earned a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree, enjoyed art and was charmed by her husband to be, Dick Reininger.

October 14, 1950 Phyllis married her college beau, Dick Reininger. After a honeymoon in Europe, Phyllis and Dick settled in Atlanta, Georgia to raise a family – Richard Jr. and Craig H. Dick’s career took Phyllis and the boys to Indianapolis, IN and Dearborn, MI where Fred H., Charles P. and Sharon L. became family additions.

Phyllis was the glue for the Reininger family by supporting Dick’s career and ski patrol activities, the four boys and daughter, Sharon. Raising a family of five children was no easy feat yet, Phyllis managed to corral five active youths – baseball, swimming, soccer, summer camp, hockey and skiing. All the while, preparing family meals, providing guidance and, occasionally finding time to host Bridge Parties for her friends and attend Junior League activities. Not to be out done, Phyllis took up skiing in Michigan and enjoyed annual train trips to ski in Winter Park, CO with Dick and friends.

During Phyl’s later years in Seattle, she took up tennis, needlepoint, was part of the Junior League Seattle Leadership Team and, Skidmore 1949 Alumni President (50th Reunion). Phyllis followed her beloved Richard of 70+ years after both succumbed to COVID 19.

Phyllis is the last FWH family members. She enjoyed her friends, family and nine grandchildren and will be missed.

*COMBINED OBITUARY - RICHARD (DICK) REININGER SR. & PHYLLIS H REININGER*

Richard(Dick) Reininger Sr. was born October 1, 1925 in Stamford, CN and passed away January 4, 2021. Phyllis H Reininger was born April 4, 1927 in Syracuse, NY and passed away January 9, 2021

Phyllis was born in Syracuse, New York to FW Harder and Myrtle P. (Gerst) Harder. Phyllis was the second of three girls, Betty McClellan (eldest) and Joanne (youngest).

Richard was born in Stamford, Connecticut to Frederick Anton Reininger Sr. and Amanda Carstens Reininger joining his two brothers, Frederick Anton Reininger Jr. and Herbert Reininger.

Phyllis grew up playing golf and tennis while attending the Kimberly School in Montclair, NJ while Dick grew up camping, participating in Boy Scouts and skiing – alpine and Nordic jumping in Connecticut and the Hebron Academy in Maine. After high school graduation, Phyllis attended Skidmore College in Saratoga, NY while Dick enlisted into the Army Air Corps and subsequently attended Colgate University in New York. They met each other at a college dance and Dick was enamored.

The year 1950 saw the two marry in New York City and move to Atlanta, GA with Dick starting his career with Emery Air Freight where both Rick and Craig were born. A move to Indianapolis brought Fred into the family followed by Chuck and Sharon when the family moved to Michigan. In 1969, the Reininger family moved to Bellevue, WA after Dick joined Airborne Freight.

As in Maine and Connecticut, Dick rekindled his love for skiing and helping others through his 42+ years with the National Ski Patrol – New York State, Alpine Valley, MI and Crystal Mountain, WA. Dick was enthralled with the Pacific NW, National Ski Patrol, Search/Rescue Dogs (Golden Retriever Rascal) and climbing mountains – Grand Teton, Mt. St. Helens (before 1980), Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier. Dick also established a successful local transportation company – Suburban Airporter and Washington Stage Lines.

Phyllis supported Dick in his adventures while raising four sons and one daughter who were all active following their father’s footsteps – soccer, hiking, skiing and climbing. Not an easy feat! Phyllis was the glue for the Reininger family while she pursued her own interests of tennis, Junior League Sustainers President and President for her Skidmore Alumni Class 50th year reunion.

In December 2020, both Phyllis and Dick contracted COVID 19. While they each survived COVID, the ordeal to conquer the disease found them exhausted. Phyllis and Dick were together to the end of their 70+ year relationship. They are survived and loved by their five offspring, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Dick and Phyllis would like any memories for them to be directed towards the Crystal Mountain Volunteer Ski Patrol and/or the Junior League of Seattle.