John Russel Reichardt, 89, passed away on April 28, 2021 in Katy, TX. A private graveside service will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel, IA 50003.
John was born to Edward Frank and Dora M. (Houchin) Reichardt on June 24, 1931 in Mt. Etna, Iowa. He graduated Fontanelle High School in 1948, Orange Coast College in 1950, and the University of Maryland in 1966. John joined the US Navy in 1951, and in the words of his wife Margaret, “it was a match made in heaven.” John remained in the Navy for thirty years, during which he was promoted from Seaman Recruit to Intelligence Specialist Master Chief.
John Russel gallantly served the country he loved through the Korean, Vietnam, and Cold Wars. He proudly served on the USS Bon Homme Richard and as a Fighting Seabee. He was a proud member of the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) since 1963 and an avid member of the USS Bon Homme Richard Shipmates Association. He enjoyed attending reunions with his wife and was an enthusiastic traveler, visiting many countries during his years in the Navy.
While stationed in Rome, Italy, John met and married Margaret (Nemick). Upon his return to the States, he continued to pursue his lifelong dream of visiting every state in the Continental US with his family. In later years, John and Margaret enjoyed driving and exploring the famed Route 66. John fancied himself a handyman, mechanic and farmer. He enjoyed the challenge of home repair and remodeling projects, tuning and tinkering cars, and rototilling and planting his garden every year. He was gratified to eat the “fruits of his labor”.
John is preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Ernest A., Richard F., and Raymond Reichardt.
John is survived by his wife, Margaret; his sons John Edward Reichardt and Thomas Reichardt; his daughter Tracy (Reichardt) Chester; his grandchildren Arianna (Reichardt) Sullivan, Seaver Chester, Megan Chester; and his sister Ellen C. Whomsley.
John loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and family. He will be deeply missed by all. John has made permanent port with the Lord Jesus Christ, his Skipper - whom he remembered at all times. “Well done,” John, on a life well lived, setting an example to all of Loyalty, Protection, and Service. Whatever lies ahead in the afterlife, we wish you “fair winds and following seas.”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John Russel Reichardt’s honor to the American Legion of Iowa (https://www.ialegion.org/donate/) or the Fleet Reserve Association (https://www.fra.org/fra/Web/Custom_Donation_Landing_Page.aspx).
Katy Funeral Home and Dignity Memorial posted a Tribute Video for John Russel Reichardt at: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/katy-tx/john-reichardt-10175439
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