2022 Inductees

John was a 1963 graduate of WDHS. He led a full life of serving others. He served his country in Vietnam, and later came home and served others through his roles in the community. He was passionate about his involvement in Easter Seals Wisconsin where he served as Chairman of the Board, the Greg Van Wie Foundation where he served as Trustee, and the American Legion Post #187 where he served as Commander. He was an active member of the Wisconsin Dells Rotary Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9387, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 221, 4th Degree and Past Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus, Columbia County Veterans Service Commission and the Portage Elks Club.

 John worked with the youth of our community as well, coaching boys’ basketball, teaching religious education, and talking with students on Veteran’s Day. As part of the American Legion, John initiated the Children's Bicycle Decorating Contest following the Memorial Day Parade.

 He was involved in many projects through the years, but most recently John worked on, “Soul of the River”, an open air gallery celebrating the permanency of the Wisconsin River and those deeply connected to it, past and present.

The restoration of Our Lady of Guadalupe was John’s final project, and although it is not complete, it continues to move forward. John’s inspiration and passion to share our community history lives on in all he has helped to create.

Fred Reineking worked in the Wisconsin Dells School District for 37 years. In his 32 years as principal he always had time for his staff and their students. He operated and administered by his policy of “Firm, Friendly, and Fair,” and in his time at WDHS he saw over 3,500 students graduate.

 During his early years at WDHS, he coached football, basketball, and track. He then became assistant principal and later principal of WDHS. He helped supervise the construction of the “new” WDHS and was its first principal when it opened in 1954. He held the position until he retired in 1983.

 Beyond his career at WDHS, Mr. Reineking received many awards and accolades. He was truly someone who kept his community in his heart. The Dells Events named Fred, “Man of the Year” in 1981. The local Kiwanis club awarded him the prestigious, “Hixon Award.” Reineking-Fenske Field was named after Fred and Robert Fenske, superintendent at the time, as they collaborated on the planning and design of the complex. In 2008 he was inducted into the WDHS Athletic Hall of Fame.

Each year, a new generation of WDHS students learn of Mr. Fred Reineking and all the positive things he stood for as the Fred Reineking Spade Award and scholarship is presented at the award ceremony.