Date of death: 6/3/2011
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1955
Father Leo, 81, died at Carlyle Healthcare Center in Carlyle, IL.Father Leo was born on Aug. 8, 1929, in Belleville, IL, to Dominic J. and Catherine M., nee Neff, Reinhardt.Father Leo attended St. Henry Seminary in Belleville, IL, and Saint Meinrad Seminary in St. Meinrad, IN. He was ordained a priest on May 3, 1955, at St. Peter’s Cathedral by the Most Rev. Albert R. Zuroweste and celebrated his First Mass on May 8, 1955, at St. Mary Church in Belleville, IL. During his 56 years of ministry to God and his people, he served as chaplain at the Adorers of the Blood of Christ Convent, Ruma, IL, from 1955 to 1961; pastor at St. Patrick, Ruma, IL, and St. Leo, Modoc, IL, from 1961 to 1969; St. Cecilia, Bartelso, IL, from 1969 to 1981; St. Henry, Belleville, IL, from 1981 to 1982; Holy Cross, Wendelin, IL, from 1982 to 1988; St. Bernard, Albers, IL, from 1988 to 1999; St. Damian, Damiansville, IL, from 1996 to 1999; and administrator at St. George, New Baden, IL, 1993. He also served as Vicar for Senior Priests, a deanery scout chaplain and CYO moderator, resident moderator on the Hincke-Sense Board, and chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Council 9768, Albers, IL.Fr. Leo was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Leander “Lee” Reinhardt; two sisters, Gertrude in infancy and Bernice Eilering; a brother-in-law, Hubert Eilering; and a nephew, Michael Eilering. Surviving are his sister, Doris (Robert) Meyer of Carlyle, IL; a sister-in-law, Doris Reinhardt of Charlotte, NC; nieces, Lynn Reinhardt of Rutherfordton, NC, Lisa (Dr. Allen) Blalock of Augusta, GA, Theresa (Don) Petrillo of Granite City, IL, and Cathy Meyer (fianc+¼e, Sam Powell) of Tallahassee, FL; nephews, Richard (Val) Eilering of Collinsville, IL, David (Lara) Eilering of Glen Carbon, IL, and Thomas (Diane) Eilering of Troy, IL; an aunt, Margaret Neff of Belleville, IL; and many cousins and friends. Memorials may be made to the Belleville Diocesan Ministry to the Sick & Aged, to Heartland Hospice in Fairview Heights, or to the parish of the donor’s choice.Information obtained from Belleville-News Democrat online, www.bnd.com”