Jack Harvey Reichert

Jack Harvey Reichert, age 74, of Othello, passed away peacefully in his home Aug. 20, 2006. He was a man with many ailments, but strong endurance.

Jack was born on Feb. 8, 1932 to Jack and Mary (Green) Reichert (German-Russian descendants) in Gering, Neb. Jack was the eldest son of four children. He graduated from Lyman High School and attended Yankton South Dakota College and Scottsbluff Junior CoIlege. In 1952, he enlisted and served honorably in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Due to health issues, Jack left the service in 1956. However, he continued to share his Iove of the Air Force and the flight of the big and fast planes.

After returning from the Air Force, he met and married Dorothy Steinmark on June 8, 1958. In January 1966, they decided to move to Othello, where he farmed sugar beets, onions, potatoes, hay, beans and seed crops. He also farmed in Mattawa and Royal City. Six children were born into their union, and in 1975 Melanie and Rodney came into their family. This brought their family of eight into one happy household. Jack retired from farming in 1992 due to health issues. When Wal-Mart came to Othello, he decided to become a greeter which he dearly Ioved. He enjoyed giving children their "happy face" stickers and seeing the friendly faces of the community.

He Ioved to share his childhood memories of working on the farm with his father and family. He often told stories of how farming had come a long way from teams of mules to the big tractors. He was so proud to be part of an exciting era. He loved to take out his caps from different businesses and ration stamps of the past to show what has been forgotten.

Mealtime was always a time for family and friends. Many times guests blessed the tabIe, sharing good times and stories. They learned a lot: The gifts of strength, courage and teamwork. They would never start a meal without a prayer. He taught us that.

Jack was baptized and confirmed at the United Church of Christ. When moving to Othello he became a member of the Othello First Presbyterian Church. He served as an EIder and on many different church committees. He deeply loved his church and all the people around him.

Jack was also involved in the community. He served as an Adams County Weed Board Member and enjoyed being a supportive member of Othello Boosters Club. He was an Adams County fire commissioner from October 1989 until December 1992. Jack also loved collecting antiques, John Deere tractors and gardening. Our beloved Jack led a full and active Iife, always keeping his family entertained and first in his life. Since Jack retired from farming, he devoted his time researching the genealogy of his German-Russian heritage.

Jack was preceded in death by his mother and father, Jack and Mary (Green) Reichert; grandparents David and Katherine (Mier) Reichert and Conrad and Katherine (Hohnstein) Green; son-in-law Terry Kast; niece Jacqueline (Reichert) Roberts; one great grand-nephew Hans Roberts, and many beloved cousins.

He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 48 years, Dorothy Reichert of Othello; children: Katherine Kast, Moses Lake; Keva Reichert, Basin City; Karrie Klingeman, husband Paul, of Ephrata; Melanie Steinmark, of Troutdale, Ore.; Rodney Steinmark, wife Liz, of Spokane; Karla Dickson, husband Doug, Kayleen Hayduk, husband Jim, and Kenton Reichert, all of Othello; grandchildren: Josh Kast, wife Crystal Brett Kast; Brian Kast, wife Stevi; Sarah Kast; Jessica Klingeman Shawley, husband Charles; Laura Klingeman Smith; husband Turrel; Dorothy Jean Klingeman; Paul Mark Klingeman Jr.; Jill Dickson; Kayla Dickson; Bayley Steinmark; Alexa Steinmark, Jacob Reichert; Marissa Reichert; Hesston Hayduk; Hushton Hayduk; Hannah Hayduk; Haylee Hayduk; Henry Hayduk; great grandchildren: Makiya and Kali Kast; Kenzie Smith; brothers: Gene Reichert; wife B.J. and Bob Reichert; wife Donna, all of Othello; sister: Florence Reichert of Calif.; uncle, George (wife Leona) Green, Minitare, Neb.; aunt, Shelia Green, Minitare, Neb.; aunt, Annie Woliski, Gering, Neb.; aunt, Mollie (husband Robert) SchuIdies, Calif.; and Hank Reib, Torrington, Wyo.; stepmother, Helen (Peppler) Reichert; two stepbrothers: Jack Peppler, wife Patty, of Othello; Jim Peppler, wife Wanda of Tulsa, Okla.; stepsister Sharon Johnson husband Bob of PoweIl, Wyo. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was a kind soul and a good spirit and left behind many more adopted grandchildren, who knew him as Grandpa Jack. He would want everyone to know that God blessed each and every one of us, wishes us well and that he would meet us at the Garden of Heaven.

Memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, at 6 p.m. Aug. 25 with a dinner following. Arrangements are in trusted to Stevens Funeral Chapel, in Othello. Per his wishes he will be cremated and inurnment will be held at a Iater date. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, of Othello, Jack Reichert memorial fund.