Genevieve Madonna Reinicke

August 3, 1923 – January 10, 2017

Genevieve Madonna Kearin was born on August 3, 1923 in rural Lake County, South Dakota. She was the youngest of six children born to her Irish-American parents, William and Ann Kearin. Her siblings were Vincent, Mae, Irene, Bill, and Lloyd. Growing up in rural South Dakota in the Great Depression was very difficult. Genevieve lost her parents before the age of 21. She married Vertus Reinicke on February 13, 1947. Genevieve and Vertus started out their life together in the small town of Ramona, South Dakota as farmers. Eight of their ten children were born on the farm. Anticipating that farming may not be the most prosperous return on investment for their hard work, Genevieve and Vertus made a gutsy move to California at 38 years of age. Once in California, they welcomed their two youngest children and started a ‘hamburger and ice cream’ store (The Melba Freeze in East San Diego). They also owned and managed apartment rentals and worked for the City of San Diego as well as many other side jobs/business ventures. It was always hard to differentiate the roles between Genevieve & Vertus, as they truly were business partners in every aspect of life.

Faith and commitment to family is what defined Genevieve Reinicke. She was very active at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish for over 40 years as a parent, lector and Eucharistic Minister; she volunteered at the Chaplain’s Office at Mercy Hospital for over 25 years and was involved with her children’s schools as time permitted. Simultaneously, Genevieve was the epitome of a strong mother and role model to her ten children and their spouses, and her 35 grandchildren. She was the QUEEN of feeding ALL who entered her home, regardless of the time of day. Being called “Grandmother” was the ultimate gift as Genevieve lost her mother at the tender age of 6 years old. Giving all her grandchildren their first bath as a newborn was so important to Genevieve and babysitting them was her favorite past time. While her 31 Great Grandchildren made her smile, she was not able to keep pace with them as her priority shifted to her husband the last five years of his life. She vowed to make him her priority. Genevieve will always be remembered as the ‘little lady with ALL THOSE kids”!

Genevieve’s wish for her family is that they always remain close to the Lord, to each other and to their children. Her entire life was devoted to her husband, her children and her grandchildren. Genevieve passed away quietly on January 10, 2017 surrounded by family.

Genevieve Reinicke is preceded in death by her parents and five siblings, her husband, Vertus, her oldest son, Dudley William, and her daughter, Mary Vernell. She is survived by Cyril (Monica), Rose (Paul - deceased), Illys (Jack), Aaron (Melinda), Arva, Adel, Alan (Toni) and Avis (Dan) plus daughter-in-law Janice, as well as 35 Grandchildren and 31 Great Grandchildren.

Services for Genevieve are as follows:

Friday January 27th

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - 4540 El Cerrito Dr. San Diego, CA 92115

6:00 pm Visitation

7:00 pm Rosary

7:30 pm Wake

Saturday January 28th

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 4540 El Cerrito Dr. San Diego, CA 92115

10:00 am Funeral Mass

11:30 am Lunch at Blessed Sacrament

2:30 pm Burial (Holy Cross Cemetery - 4470 Hilltop Dr. San Diego, CA 92102)

Genevieve’s Favorite Irish Blessing

May there always be work for your hands to do,

May your purse always hold a coin or two,

May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain,

May the hand of a friend always be near you,

May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you,

May Christ give you at this time and for always…

his peace in your soul, his presence in your heart,

and his power in your life. Amen.

Arrangements under the direction of Goodbody Mortuary, San Diego, CA.