ITD mourns loss of Mark Reinke
Feb. 13 near Arco

Idaho Transportation Department employee Mark Reinke, a Transportation Technician Apprentice from Howe, Idaho working out of the Arco maintenance shed, was killed at approximately 7 a.m. on Feb. 13, 2020 on westbound US-20 about five miles east of Arco. He was driving a backhoe and had his seatbelt fastened when a 2005 Peterbilt semi loaded with straw hit the backhoe from behind.

The incident is a sobering reminder of the dangers of roadwork: Mark is the 40th employee lost while on the job with ITD since 1960.

“At ITD, we value every single employee, and losing any one of them is like losing a member of the family,” said ITD Director Brian Ness. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mark’s loved ones, and to those in District 6 who had the privilege of working with Mark.”

Reinke, 56, started working for ITD last summer. He was killed while performing roadwork that served the public need

"Please be safe, stay vigilant, and watch out for each other," said Director Ness.

Mark's funeral is scheduled for this Friday, Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Arco. A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. that same afternoon at Clover Cemetery in Twin Falls, follwed by Dinner and Peace reception at the Lutheran Church.

"Mark was a positive, hardworking teammate. He truly enjoyed working with the Arco crew, and he will always be a part of the ITD family," said D6 District Engineer Jason Minzghor.

Published 02-19-20