Palma (Pam) Joy Reinemann (Peeks), 92, of Duluth, MN, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025, at Aspen Acres Assisted Living, Hayward, WI. Pam was born January 21, 1933, in Julesburg, CO to Arnold and Hattie Peeks. She grew up on the family farm near Chappell, NE where her life revolved around family, faith, education, music, and helping on the farm.

Pam met Lewis Reinemann, the young and handsome vicar at Zion Lutheran Church in Chappell during a college break. They fell in love and were married in 1955. They were blessed with 4 children, 6 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and enjoyed 64 years of marriage.

Pam and Lewis first lived in Missouri Valley, IA where Lewis was called to First Lutheran church, Missouri Synod to pastor his first congregation. In 1962 they moved to Duluth, MN when Lewis became pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran church. Duluth became their home where they worked and raised their family.

Pam attended a one-room country schoolhouse through 8th grade which was on land donated by her father and surrounded by wheat fields. After graduation from Chappell High School, her love and talent of music led her to the University of Wyoming where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in music education. She later earned a master’s degree in special education and early childhood development at the University of MN, Duluth.

With a love for children and teaching, Pam’s career began in Florence, Oregon where she taught music education. In Duluth, Pam started a charm school, sold real estate and taught grade school and special education in the Superior and Duluth School Districts all while caring for a busy family. Pam always brought out the best in her students, helping them to learn in ways that met their variety of learning styles. She saw to their needs and if students came to school hungry, she would provide them with breakfast. Pam inspired in her own children and others the importance of education and a fulfilling career.

Time with family and friends provided Pam much happiness in her life. She loved attending her children and grandchildren’s games, concerts and programs. Her home was a gathering place for playing cards and games and where Pam fed and nourished everyone who showed up. Pam was a talented pianist and had a great sense of humor. Always ready for an adventure, she enjoyed travel, sightseeing and lunch along the North Shore.

One of Pam’s unexpected joys in life was meeting and becoming involved with dozens of international students from around the world who attended the University of Wisconsin, Superior. Pam and Lewis created a home away from home for these students and helped them experience American holidays, food, culture, sight-seeing, cabin life and the joys of multi-generational friendship. With Pam there was always an open door to bring a new friend to the gatherings and meals. After retirement, Pam and Lewis traveled the world to visit these new friends and their families in their home countries.

Pam is preceded in death by her husband Lewis Reinemann, parents Arnold and Hatti Peeks and sister Doris Miller.

She is survived by her children Jeffrey (Julie) Reinemann, Rebecca (Joe Mildenberger) Reinemann, Lisa (Jody Johnson) Reinemann, Susan (John) Bauer, grandchildren Jenna Reinemann, Jaclyn Lindsey, Matthew and Andrew Mildenberger, Anneliese and Bryce Bauer, great grandson Wyatt Lindsey, brother Ted Peeks and sister Veronica Fearneyhough.

A service will be held with visitation at 10:00 followed by the funeral service at 11:00 on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2012 E Superior St., Duluth, MN 55812.

Pam’s family thanks the wonderful staff at Aspen Acres for the love and care they provided Pam as well as Regional Hospice of Hayward for their care and guidance. Memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice or to Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2012 E. Superior St. Duluth, MN 55812.

Last Update: Apr 15, 2025 1:15 pm CDT