SCOTT T. REINERTSON

Scott T. Reinertson, 75, of Chanhassen, Minn., passed away Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, at the Auburn Home in Waconia, Minn.

Enduringly kind, bright, athletic, fun and deeply faithful, Scott had valiantly fought bladder cancer and related complications since 2011.

An only child, he was born to Jim and Florence Reinertson in Sioux Falls, S.D. on March 14, 1943. He spent grades 1 – 12 in Hibbing, where his dad taught physics and math at the high school. Scott had the privilege of having his dad as a teacher, whom he referred to as "Mr. Reinertson" when in class. Scott had very good friends in Hibbing who were like siblings to him. During his school years, Scott, also known as "Reino," went to State meets as a sprinter and hurdler in track and as a swimmer. In addition, he was a quarterback for the Blue Jackets football team.

At Carleton College, Scott was given a new nickname by his friends, "Nert." He earned letters in track and football. As a member of a self-named group, the "Viggies," his college "brothers" remained close friends for over 50 years. One weekend a year for 27 years, Scott and Joanne celebrated Carleton friendships on Sand Island in Lake Superior.

Excellent academics, including a master's degree, prepared him for his 34 year career as a teacher in the St. Louis Park Public Schools. He coached boys' swimming for 16 years and coordinated the girls' and boys' Section 6 swim meets for 12 years. Teaching at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels prepared him to be the head negotiator for the SLP Teacher's Union for several years.

In 1965, Scott met his wife, Joanne LaHue, on a blind date arranged by a mutual friend, Sheila Rothkopf Stageberg. It was truly love at first sight, and they were married on June 25, 1966. Together they raised Matt (1969) and Bret (1972). They often talked of how blessed they were with two great sons and two very special daughters-in-law, Pam and Kristi. Of course, seven amazing grandchildren completed the family: Chase, Paige, Ben, Madelyn, Brady, Brennan and Aiden, who was born into Heaven. All are adored by Papa and Nana.

Scott was loved by so many, including his fishing buddies. For 40 years, his Lake Lucy crew met weekly on their pontoon to reel them in. To quote one of the crew, Dale, "Scott has been our captain on almost all of these outings. He drives the pontoon. He catches the most fish. He helps remove fish caught by the rest of us. He untangles our tangled lines. He helps clean the fish for our fall fish fry. By the way, he is by far the finest northern y-bone cleaner around. What a friend." Scott also had many great memories of fishing trips to Canada with good friends and his brother-in-law.

Scott and Joanne had been members of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Hopkins for 50 years. In that time, he served on the church board and for 15 years was in a special six member men's Bible study group.

To put it simply, Scott was the mix of fortitude, integrity, love and fun (he loved his Ole and Lena jokes). He was a skilled teacher, coach and craftsman. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother-in-law, whose faith was strong. We know he was welcomed into Heaven by his loving Lord.

Scott is survived by his loving wife, Joanne; and sons, Matt (Pam) with their children Ben and Brady, Bret (Kristi) with their children: Chase, Paige, Madelyn and Brennan. Scott is also survived by brother-in-law, Bruce LaHue; sister-in-law, Denise McNaughton (Alan); a niece; three nephews; many cousins; and his uncle, Doug Hoseck (Ruth).

Scott was preceded in death by his father and mother, James and Florence Reinterson; and grandson, Aiden Reinertson.

Funeral: Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 4, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church at 715 Minnetonka Mills Road, Minnetonka. The Rev. John Nelson officiate.

Visitation: A gathering of family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service Monday at the church.

Arrangements with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, Minn. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.johnsonfh.com.