04/21/2026
Resident Spotlight: The Incredible Life of Edna Amanda Reinke
We are honored to feature Edna Amanda Pohlmann Reinke as our Resident of the Month! Born on December 6, 1925, Edna’s century of life is a beautiful tapestry of faith, hard work, and Nebraska history.
Early Days & A Midnight Wedding 🗓️💍❤️
Edna is one of eight children born to Frederick and Justine Pohlmann, Edna grew up in Davenport before moving to rural Byron at age four. Her childhood was defined by deep roots: Sundays were for church and visiting relatives, as she got older Friday nights were reserved for the local roller rink.
Edna’s life changed forever at age 22 when she married Fredrick Richard Reinke on June 22, 1947. Their wedding was just quite a party—a reception for 200 guests held at her mother’s home. In a classic Nebraska tradition, they served a full "midnight lunch" featuring sandwiches with all the relishes, pies, and cake, with the celebration stretching until 3:00 AM!
Building a Legacy: From Farm to Global Industry 🙏🏡🌤️
Edna wasn’t just a witness to history; she helped build it. After years of dryland and chicken farming, the couple established Reinke Manufacturing in 1954. While Fredrick was busy inventing the world’s first reversible, electric-gear-drive center pivot system, Edna was the engine behind the scenes.
As they moved to Hebron and later Deshler to grow the business, Edna did it all:
• Raising their five children: Patricia, Jennifer, Sandra, Robert and Russell.
• Cleaning the shop and office buildings.
• Making "parts runs" to Lincoln.
• Hand-crafting floats for local parades.
A Career of Service 🤝
Edna’s work ethic started after 8th grade, helping neighbors with newborns. Throughout her career, she held positions at the Beatrice Hospital kitchen, the local 5 and Dime, and the Superior-Victory Café. In her earlier years, she was also employed at the Deshler Turkey Processing Plant.
She hasn't lost her sense of humor, either. She jokes that the best part of being a resident here is that she no longer has to milk cows. She vividly remembers her farm days, including the time a cow kicked her—resulting in the only broken bone she’s ever had: her nose!
Faith, Flowers, and Chocolate 🌹🍫
Edna has always been a pillar of the community. She was a founding member of Abiding Word, won the Keep Nebraska Beautiful award via Deshler Woman’s Club, and volunteered as a Sunday school teacher for many years.
A few of Edna’s favorite things:
• Talents: She is a master seamstress who could sew anything from children’s clothes to quilts. 🧵
• Music: She loves playing the piano and singing hymns.
• Books: While she’s read too many to count, the Little Women series remains a favorite. 📖
• Treats: She loves a classic meal of fried chicken and potatoes, but her real weakness is anything chocolate.
🌻Words to Live By ✨
Even today, Edna can remember almost everyone’s birthday, a sign of how much she truly cares for people. When asked her secret to a life well lived, she offers these simple, profound truths:
"Take it one day at a time. Have faith in God and do the best you can."
