Healing hands and helping heart: 1969 alumnus reflects on KCU’s impact

Dale Reinker, DO, FAAOS, FACOFP (COM 1969), may be retired, but he keeps very busy.

At home in Troy, Missouri, where he grew up, he and his wife of more than 50 years, Joan, live on 300 acres of farm land. He likes living where he knows so many people – and they know him.

“I’ve always considered my patients as friends and loved them,” said Dr. Reinker about his 42-year career. “The fact that people who knew me from high school entrusted me with their health care was gratifying.”

Although retired since 2011, Dr. Reinker remains active in his community through Rotary Club having served two terms as chapter president and his church where he has held many roles. Additionally, he has held positions on the Mercy Health Foundation Lincoln Board of Directors and the Lincoln County Resource Board.

As he reflects on a life well lived, Dr. Reinker feels thankful for Kansas City University (KCU).

“KCU gave me the opportunity to have a vocation and life that I otherwise might not have – and to do a lot of memorable things.”

Unlike some practitioners who focus on one specialty, he wanted to gain expertise in many different areas so he could work at a community hospital and provide a variety of services. Thanks to the educational foundation he received at KCU, and to additional training in bronchoscopy, gastrointestinal endoscopy, laparoscopic surgery and obstetrics, Dr. Reinker developed the skills needed to offer a wide range of services in community-based hospitals. Not only did he oversee health care for the 10,000 employees who built the Wolf Creek Generating Station in Burlington, Kansas, but he also delivered more than 1,000 babies during his career.

Because Dr. Reinker believes that KCU provided him with an excellent education and continues to do so for students today, he makes charitable gifts to support the University. After tax laws changed in 2016-2017, he wanted to find a giving vehicle that was easy and tax free. He found it by using his Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to give directly to KCU through qualified charitable distributions (QCD).

“Not only is it easy to make a donation, but I also can give a little bit more money because it is tax-free.”

The education Dr. Reinker earned at KCU gave him a meaningful career, a lifestyle that provided well for his family and a fulfilling retirement. It also opened the door for interesting hobbies such as horseback riding.

The Reinkers became interested in Appaloosa horses through one of his patients, a former Kansas State Rodeo Queen. They met her after a horse stepped on her thumb injuring it badly. She was brought to Dr. Reinker for treatment who suggested that a plastic surgeon would be a more suitable choice. However, the closest plastic surgeon was about 100 miles away, so they asked him to do the surgery. He reattached her thumb and it healed nicely.

Because she was so grateful for the care she received, she took the Reinkers out to their ranch and offered to teach them to ride. While they were there, they spotted an energetic Appaloosa colt. Soon the little guy, who they named Pepper, became part of the family. Over the years, the Reinkers have owned more than 50 horses and still enjoy riding today.

Travel was limited during Dr. Reinker’s working years because he was often on call 24/7. After retirement, the Reinkers traveled throughout Europe, Thailand, Russia and India. They also rode on horseback the 1,500-mile Nez Perce (Nimíipuu or Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail  that stretches from Wallowa Lake, Oregon, to the Bear Paw Battlefield near Chinook, Montana.

Dr. and Mrs. Reinker regularly travel back to KCU for Homecoming; this year they look forward to reconnecting with classmates and celebrating Dr. Reinker’s 55th Reunion.

He is quick to give credit KCU for his career preparation, but he’s just as quick to give credit to his family for their support during the often-rigorous career years.

“My family was very supportive when I was on call 24/7.”

Those were the times when he felt truly blessed.

If you would like to learn more about making gifts to KCU through your IRA, visit our website, or contact Jennifer Ingraham, vice president of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, at 816-654-7282 or [email protected].