Obituary of Harold Henry Reichert

Attended by family, Harold Reichert (Hal to his friends) finally lost a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's on January 9, 2013, in Santa Cruz, California. Born Dec. 16, 1922 in Fort Morgan, Colorado, raised on a farm in Nebraska. As a younger man, he enjoyed building his own boats, and thus, he joined the United States Navy on his 18th birthday. As an enlisted man aboard the U.S.S. Dale, he survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Subsequently, he saw shipboard duty in the Pacific Theater, earning five battle stars. Remaining in the Navy for over 30 years, he also served aboard the U.S.S. Benner and U.S.S. Randolph, then various shore postings in the Supply Corps. After his war service he studied at the University of Colorado in Boulder, becoming a commissioned officer and retiring with the rank of Commander. While stationed in San Diego in 1951 he met his first wife, Navy Ensign Rosemary Parker, with whom he raised a family of four. He married his second wife, Grace Taber of Ben Lomond, in 1978. They enjoyed 34 years together, traveling abroad, touring the country by RV, and participating in activities at their local senior center. An accomplished gardener, Hal also did fine lapidary work, teaching classes in it at the senior center. He is survived by his wife Grace, and four children; Curtis Reichert (Theresa), David Reichert (Suzanne), Eric Reichert, and daughter Nancy Reichert Van Volkinburg (David Van Volkinburg).He is also survived by his brother Dale and sisters Helen and Dorothy Mae, as well as nine grandchildren: Nina, Katrina, Katie, Tiffany, Christopher, Kurt, Colby, Joshua and Bethany. A service will be held at the Felton Cemetery on February 9th at 11:00 AM. A Memorial Gathering will follow at the Ben Lomond Senior Center, 8500 Hwy 9, at noon.