Stephen Todd Reinholtz

Stephen Todd Reinholtz, age 39 of Osceola, passed away September 23, 2022.  Stephen was born February 5, 1983, in Elkhart, Indiana.  A lifelong “OC boy,” Stephen graduated from Penn High School in 2001 and furthered his education at Lincoln Tech where he obtained his associate degree in automotive mechanics.  On December 3, 2003, Stephen married Ashley Shoppell in South Bend, Indiana. 

Surviving is his wife Ashley Reinholtz and their daughters Mackenzie and Mia Reinholtz.  His mother, Brenda (Welker) Reinholtz survives as well, along with his siblings Joel Reinholtz and his wife Marissa and Rhonda Kohler and her husband Todd, and his sister-in-law, Ami Reinholtz.  Stephen is also survived by his in-laws Bradley and Denise Shoppell and Jon and Amy Chester, his brothers and sisters-in-law, Amber Stevens and her husband Ryan, Marc Shoppell and his wife Autumn, Matthew Shoppell and his wife Jen, Johnny Chester, Leah Justice, Jordon Justice, Ian Chester, and Lucas Chester, along with numerous aunts and uncles.  He is also survived by his nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly: Gabby, Shelby, Brady, Reece, Lilly, Bianca, Asher, Cooper, Oliver, Murray and Reagan and his faithful dog, “Sherman.”  His father, Gary Reinholtz preceded him in death in 1985 and his brother Marvin Reinholtz preceded him in death in 2015. 

Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm Thursday, September 29, 2022, at Michiana Community Church, 51637 Ash Rd in Granger.  Pastor Denver Burns will officiate the 11:00 am funeral service on Friday, September 30, 2022, at Michiana Community Church. Cremation will follow and his family will lay his urn to rest in Noffsinger Cemetery with his big brother Marvin, as well as take Stephen on many of the adventures he had planned for in the future.  Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Osceola has been entrusted with his care.

Stephen was extremely handy and had the ability to fix anything. His mechanical skills led him to become employed by Kingman Nationalease Trucking Company where he served as the service manager for several years. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and camping.  In the winter, Stephen and his friends would take trips to Michigan to ride their snowmobiles He also loved attending Chicago Bears and Notre Dame football games and listening to good old country music whether streaming it on his phone or attending live concerts in the Midwest, usually with a Busch “Latte” in hand.  Always one to do things well, Stephen decided one day while on vacation to begin growing his famous beard, and took great pride in keeping it combed, conditioned, and smelling wonderful!  He would often give a great big hug and tell his family to “smell my beard!”

Stephen was extremely passionate about coaching girls’ softball and loved spending time on the field with his girls and their teams.  He coached for several years with travel teams and always exhibited patience, kindness, and concern for his players.  Win or lose, he maintained a positive attitude which helped motivate his girls to win the next game. 

More than anything, Stephen loved his family.  His wife and daughters were his entire world and he loved them with all his heart and soul. Ashley often told him that he was born to be a “Girl Dad” and he lived up to that lofty standard.  He loved and supported “Kenz” and Mia and was there for both of them whenever they needed him.

 Though on earth for what seems like a short time, Stephen lived everyday to it’s fullest and lived with no regrets.  His priorities in life were his family, friends, and helping those in need.  Many times, his posts on social media would end with “Don’t forget to smile... and make someone smile today!” and those words were sincere. His sense of humor, infectious smile and laugh, and his heart for people will be truly missed. 

In his memory, donations may be made to his family to assist with his daughter’s education through the DONATE tab above.  To light a virtual candle, share a story of Stephen’s life, or leave a message of comfort for the Reinholtz family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.

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