Monday, September 30, 2019
Our hearts go out to you, Dave, Denise, Mike & Steve and your families as you cope with life without your beloved wife, mother & grandmother. We were so lucky that the Gerstlers moved into the house next door on Westdale in Howell 40+ years ago. You were special neighbors and our families forged a bond of friendship and love that has not been broken in all these years even though we've been separated by many miles and life changes. Jan was my Best Friend, Confidante, & Spiritual Adviser. From sending Steve & Kurt off to kindergarten together to taking photos of Denise & Steve all dressed up to go to their Junior Prom, we shared milestones together. From watching Mike & Brad put back together Dave's new riding lawnmower they had taken apart to rushing our across-the-street neighbor to the hospital when she fell we faced life's challenges together. We packed up the kids in our van and had fun together: picnicking and swimming at Bishop Lake, going on summer field trips like Chelsea's Jiffy Mix factory, the Ford foundry, the Henry Ford museum, baseball & junior football practices. P/T conferences, school activities during the school year. We juggled responsibilities & struggles of being busy working moms. We hid our tears when you moved away. We celebrated job promotions, graduations, danced at our children's weddings, welcomed grandchildren into our lives. We looked forward to those Christmas cards & letters. So many wonderful memories will keep Jan with us forever. Yours will keep her with you too until she welcomes you Home in Heaven above. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Love, Mary & Dave Reinke
