Dr. Raoul E. Reinertsen, 89, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 6:15 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2026, at Seminary Manor Nursing Home in Galesburg, after a brief illness.
He was born March 20, 1936, in Canton, Illinois, the son of Paul E. and Ethel E. (Pearson) Reinertsen. He attended and graduated from Canton High School in 1954, Augustana College in 1958, and the University of Chicago with a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1962. He married Anita Morrell on September 15, 1956, in Canton.
Surviving is his wife, Anita Reinertsen of Galesburg; children: David A. (Karen) Reinertsen of Grand Junction, Colorado, Jean A. (Kevin) Anderson of Ames, Iowa, Peter J. (Ellen) Reinertsen of Jelm, Wyoming, and Julie D. Reinertsen of Galesburg; four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Margery, and one brother David L.
After graduating from the University of Chicago, he served his internship and residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. After completing his residency, he proudly served his country, attaining the rank of lieutenant commander in the United States Navy. Upon completion of his military service, he worked first for The Coleman Clinic in Canton from 1969 to 1984, then The Galesburg Clinic in Galesburg from 1984 to 1994, finally retiring from Western Illinois University Beu Health Center in Macomb in 2000. Throughout his medical career as an OB-GYN, he welcomed over 15,000 babies, never losing the joy of witnessing each new life.
After his retirement, he and Anita enjoyed both international travel and Airstream trailer caravans across the U.S. and Canada. He also enjoyed playing his euphonium with the Windjammer Airstream Band, Knoxville Community Band and the annual Tuba Christmas performances. He was well-known for his many woodworking projects, community volunteerism and his unique sense of humor.
He was a member of the Illinois State Medical Association, Sunrise Rotary of Galesburg, and the Canton American Legion. He was also an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. Though reserved, his faith was a cornerstone in his daily life and he and Anita were very active in their church communities.
Cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory in Knoxville is honored to serve the Reinertsen family with their wishes. Memorials may be made to Mt Calvary Lutheran Church in Galesburg, OSF Hospice or Trinity Lutheran Church in Canton, Illinois. Online condolences or expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhomes.com.
