Carolynn Reils

Carolynn Mae Reils (nee Rinke) left her earthly body and joined our Father in Heaven on Wednesday April 23, 2025, at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI., her loving family at her side.

Carolynn was born to the late George and Hyacinth Rinke. Having grown up in Mokena Il, she attended both St. Mary School and Lincolnway Comm. High School. She met Dale, her best friend and the one and only love of her life at Lincoln Way, and shortly after graduation, they married. Raising their family in Mokena, the Reils settled at the end of Thomas Court. There she enjoyed her garden, strawberry patch, and many hot summer days by the pool. Her neighbors were not only friends, but family. The children grew up together, Bunco was played, campfires were shared, and many dishes were passed. Everyone watched out and cared for each other, there will never be another Thomas Court the way it was back then.

Once her family was raised, and Dale retired, Dale and Carolynn relocated their home to Delton Michigan. A beautiful Lake front property, and again, they met friends that became family. Boat rides, flower gardens, St Ambrose Church, the parish food bank, and Mahjong with the girls became her new daily activities.

Most importantly, Carolynn loved her family. Despite being 150 miles away, she never missed the birth of a grandchild, birthday party, graduation, Grandparent’s Day at school, Baptism, Communion, or Confirmation. She was only a phone call away, and many long conversations were shared (almost daily) so she always knew what her kids and grandkids were doing.

Carolynn is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Dale Reils; children: Robert (Wendy) Reils, Connie (David) Trevarthan, Cindy (Matthew) Falejczyk; grandchildren: Alex and William Reils, Matthew and Daniel Trevarthan, Michael, Hannah, and Joseph Falejczyk; and her sister Gladys (the late Fred) Weber. As well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents: George and Hyacinth Rinke (nee Heiman); Dale’s parents, who treated her as their 4th daughter, Clyde and Luella Reils, her siblings: George (Bernie) Rinke, Hyacinth (Ken) Corneils, and Mary Ann (Jack) Lee.

The family would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to all of the friends and family members who have offered their prayers, sent cards/messages, as well as flowers and food to Dale and their children. We want you all to know we have felt the love, and you have brought us peace.

A private ceremony will be held to honor Carolynn by her immediate family.