Donald "Tom" F. Reifenrath

Donald “Tom” F. Reifenrath age 92 of Crofton, Nebraska died on Monday, February 03, 2020 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Constance with the Rev. Jim Keiter officiating.  Burial will be at St. Joseph’s cemetery in Constance.  Visitation will be on Friday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Constance.  Visitation will continue on Saturday one hour prior to services.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Crofton. Pallbearers will be Aaron Hansen, Holly Haberman, Jacquie Kelley, Mike Reifenrath, Nick Reifenrath, Jennifer Kerschinke, Faith Reifenrath, Heather Reifenrath, and Jason Smith. Donald Frank was born on May 31, 1927 in Constance, Nebraska to Gerlach F. and Theresa (Mueller) Reifenrath.  He attended school in Crofton and helped his dad and brothers on the family farm.  He married Imogene Antionette Bonertz on January 29, 1951 in Menominee, Nebraska.  Seven children were born to this union.  Donald “Tom” farmed on his own until 1984.  He raised grain, livestock, chickens, and hogs.  After retiring from farming Donald did janitorial work for Yankton College for four years, then janitorial work for 10 years at Gavin Point Dam Power Plant.  He then was the janitor for Crofton Elementary School for 10 years, retiring again in 2008 at the age of 79 years. Donald “Tom” was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Constance.  He raised a big garden for many years, always having watermelon and sweetcorn.  He loved to mow and tinker around outside.  He always enjoyed his children and grandchildren and had a sense of humor.  He and Imogene loved to Polka dance.  He was a baseball fan – watching the Twins, rooting for the Vikings and Nebraska Huskers. Donald “Tom” is survived by his wife of 69 years, Imogene of Crofton; six children and spouses Donna Smith of Sioux Falls, SD, Ken and Patty Reifenrath of Kearney, NE, Gary Reifenrath of Omaha, NE, Loren Reifenrath of Yankton, SD, Laurie (Dave) Hansen of Crofton, Bryan (Val) Reifenrath of Surprise, AZ; 13 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; a sister Laura “Lolly” Arens of Norfolk, NE. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, son Randy on 1/6/1994 at age 32; daughter-in-law Joanne Reifenrath on 4/13/1994; brothers and spouses George (Clara) Reifenrath, Albert (Ceil) Reifenrath, Rudolph (Ceil) Reifenrath, Norbert (Viola) Reifenrath, Lawrence "Mac" (Kay) Reifenrath; sister Mary Ann (Alphonse) Leise; brother-in-law Clarence J. Arens.