Vernon Howard Reineking, age 86, of Gardena, CA, passed away on January 16, 2026 in Torrance, CA. He was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, October 3, 1939. Vern was one of 10 children.

While he visited his brother in California, he fell in love with the weather and enrolled at USC where he graduated with a master’s degree in business administration.

He worked at TRW/Northrop Grumman for 45 years. During his time at TRW, he enjoyed working with Junior Achievement students and has a maintained many friendships with them throughout the years. He also enjoyed woodworking, rock and mineral collecting, camping and traveling. Most of all he enjoyed being with family and friends smiling and laughing. He had an uncanny ability to reach people in a positive way.

He is survived by his wife Maria (Vigil) Reineking; his brother Henry; his daughters Tami Reineking, Kim (Reineking) Rowe (Arlen); his grandchildren, Tatum and Zane Reineking-Schaffer, Thomas and Katherine Rowe.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents William and Meta Reineking; brothers William, Melvin, Raymond, Lester, Robert, Gilbert, sister Dorothy (Reineking) Bruesewitz, Marvin; daughter-in-law Amy Schaffer, and ex-spouse Mary (Bushel) Reineking (mother to his daughters Tami and Kim).