Rita H. Trinko, “The Red Hat Lady Who Walked,” 82, of Shawano, took her final walk on Tuesday afternoon, July 22, 2025. Because of hospice and her daughter-in-law, Mary, Rita was able to return home and die with dignity. That was her final wish that she shared with her son, Mark.
Rita was born in Wausau on May 17, 1943, a daughter of the late Victor and Violet (Paiser) Reinke. She attended primary school in Hermansfort and later graduated from Shawano High School with the Class of 1961.
On Sept. 22, 1962, Rita was united in marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Lee Trinko. She was employed at Skelgas in Shawano, now known as Ferrellgas. After 50 years of hard work, she happily retired in 2012. Her husband, Lee, preceded her in death on June 20, 2009.
Following her retirement, Rita was employed at Qualheim’s True Value in Shawano. She was a good and faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church. Rita loved to walk, and at one point, she walked 12 miles a day throughout Shawano. She was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and has been a season ticket holder since 1953. She was never afraid to tell you about “her Packers.” In Rita’s quiet time, she enjoyed embroidery and watching Hallmark movies.
Survivors include her son, Mark (Mary) Trinko, of Shawano; her grandchildren, Andrew (Brittany) Trinko, of Ayersville, Ohio, Brandon Trinko, of Illinois, Nicole LaReau, of Portage, and Michael LaReau, of Eau Claire; five great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and her sister, Carol Oestrich. She is further survived by several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Lee, and her brother, Jack Reinke.
A funeral service for Rita will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano. Pastor Scott Ludford will officiate. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano. Visitation will begin on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at Mickelson Funeral Service in Shawano. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of service.
In lieu of flowers and plants, the family prefers memorials in Rita’s name to the Shawano County Humane Society.
Mickelson Funeral and Cremation Service, Inc. of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.
At Rita’s request, everyone is encouraged to wear their Packer attire for her special day. As she would say: “It is what it is.”
Rita H. Trinko
