Coach, Teacher, and Humanitarian Walt Reiner Honored with Estate Gift

Walt Reiner

A person’s legacy is more than material items or financial gifts, it is how they are remembered and the difference they made to their family, community, and the world.

As a coach, teacher, and humanitarian, Walt Reiner’s legacy is strong. Walt joined the faculty of Valpo’s physical education department in 1949 and served as co-head coach of the football team from 1957 to 1964.

To ensure Walt’s legacy remains strong at Valpo, Don ’64 and Karen ’65 Soeken have committed a deferred gift through their estate to create the Walt and Lois Reiner Legacy Endowed Scholarship Fund. The fund will provide permanent resources to support students participating in ministry programs through the Chapel of the Resurrection as well as those wishing to participate in service trips.

Although football was his passion, Walt was determined to serve a broader community. President O.P. Kretzmann sensed his passion for public service and asked Walt to launch the Youth Leadership Training Program. Walt’s inspired leadership led to his appointment as director of Prince of Peace Volunteers in Chicago and the establishment of Project Neighbors in the Hilltop neighborhood near Valpo’s campus.

A self-described “community resource redistributor,” Walt is credited with bringing new life to Hilltop — including development of Reiner Community Center.

"I will never forget the spiritual impact Walt’s volunteerism had on me, my brother Rich Soeken ’67, and other students,” Don says. “Somewhere in Heaven Walt is looking down and grinning happily as he salutes everyone who continues to support his community service projects."

Back

© Pentera, Inc. Planned giving content. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer