Reinhart (Reiny) Zipperer, Jr., age 83, peacefully passed away on July 4, 2023, at Care Partners Assisted Living in Manitowoc.   He was a leap-year baby, born on February 29, 1940, to Leona and Reinhart Zipperer Sr. of Cato, Wisconsin.  He attended elementary and high schools in Reedsville.

At the age of 19 Reiny was a passenger in a tragic car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down due to a spinal cord injury.  After years of physical therapy, he accepted that he would be wheelchair bound.

Due to his strong spirit and personable nature, Reiny lived his life to its fullest.   After experiencing his first flight with sister Sandie and brother-in-law Mike to Las Vegas in 1975, he was eager to spread his wings and fly.  He returned to Las Vegas a few more times; visited San Diego and Disneyland.  Surprising his family and friends, Reiny's adventurous spirit kicked in when he decided to move from Cato to Eugene, Oregon – sight unseen!  While there, he met a wonderful lady named Laura and they married on June 12, 1987.  They moved to Connecticut for a brief time and eventually moved to Manitowoc where they enjoyed living near Lake Michigan, the bike path and exploring the area together until Laura passed away in 2017 after 30 years together.  Weather-permitting, Reiny continued to travel in his wheelchair throughout Manitowoc and on the bike path, which always included a stop at a restaurant or store to get his favorite snacks.  He loved nature, animals and birds, especially hummingbirds.  He always wondered why God gave him such a long life.  We know it was to serve as an inspiration for others by his amazing attitude.

Reiny is survived by his sisters Betty (Charlie) Walt; and Sandie (Mike) Dewane; sisters-in-law Brenda (Rollie) Zipperer and Darlene (Allan) Zipperer- Sheehy, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was pre-deceased by his loving wife, Laura; parents Leona and Reinhart Zipperer; brothers Allan and Rollie Zipperer; brother-in-law Charlie Walt; and other relatives.

Reiny's family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to John and Jane Herrenbruck of Manitowoc who were incredibly special friends to Reiny.  They gave him the gifts of companionship, time, joy, comfort, compassion, and love over the past several years.

According to Reiny's wishes, cremation has occurred and there will be no services.

Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc is assisting the Zipperer family with arrangements.