Cindi was born April 30, 1952, in Tilden, NE and loved the gifts God gave her while growing up in that idyllic small town.
She was tremendously blessed and lived her life showing Jesus’ love to others. Cindi knew she wanted to teach. After graduating from UNL in 1974, she began a career in special education that spanned 41 years: five in OPS and 36 in LPS (Belmont and Norwood Park). Small but mighty, she could handle every situation. Her peers entrusted her with leadership of educational and corrective efforts and she remained a steadfast champion of her students. Cindi loved her students, fellow teachers, and staff so much that she continued to substitute after her retirement until she was no longer able.
Cindi never missed a first day of school from kindergarten throughout her years of teaching, 58 years in all. She proudly received numerous pins for perfect attendance in Sunday School at her beloved home church, Immanuel Lutheran in Tilden, NE.
Cindi was devoted to her Savior, her family, and friends and began every day with early morning devotions. Her ability to provide encouragement seemed endless. She was motivated and strengthened by uplifting others. Cindi was keenly observant and perceptive, which prepared her to bask in the glory of God’s creation, lend a helping hand, or offer a silly comment. She loved to laugh, whether chuckling to herself or with others! She enjoyed staying busy and did not have a lazy bone in her body. Cindi found giving her best and seeking ways to help as primary means of serving her Lord. This attitude naturally extended to gardening, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Even today, her garden, which she considered her therapy, bears all the marks of her planning, detailed care, and appreciation for God’s splendor found in flowers.
Cindi is preceded in death by her faithful and loving parents, Albert F Reinke and Emma L (Uecker) Reinke, and grandparents including her beloved Granny, Katherine (Christiansen) Uecker (Robert “Bob”) and Emil (Nellie) Reinke. She held a special place in her heart for all of her aunts, uncles and cousins who also preceded her in death.
Cindi is survived by her husband of 46 years, John W Olson, whom she loved faithfully; children, Adam (Alissa) Olson and Kayla (Whitney) Reutzel; grandchildren, Jack, Evelyn, Thomas, Sophia, and Katherine Cynthia Olson, and Emma and Conrad Reutzel; brothers, Steven Reinke, Mark (Lori) Reinke, and Craig (Monica) Reinke; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews among whom she never worried to distinguish between immediate and extended, happily considering all her family; and so many wonderful friends she cherished. Her survivors, particularly her children and husband, discover more about the depth of God’s abiding love given to them through Cindi with each passing year.
Memorials in care of: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Lincoln, NE, Peaceful Hearts Hospice of Elkhorn, NE or to the family for further designation.
Livestream recording:
https://vimeo.com/1204534455?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci