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Richard Reichel passed away quietly on April 2nd, 2019 at the age of 99. He had a good run and saw much in his life. Born in Czechoslovakia, he was one of 6 children. At 19, he enlisted in the German Military, where he served his country as a tank driver and instructor, stationed in France and Belgium. After the conclusion of WWII, he went to work for the American Occupation Army as a driver and motor technician, for which he was given a letter of recommendation.
In 1953, with his new wife Erika, he came to the United States on the Queen Elizabeth. After a short stay in New York, the couple ventured out west and settled in San Francisco, CA, where Richard found his first job at Hormel Foods. He learned English, and was proud to become an American Citizen. Eventually, he became an auto technician and worked for the same Volkswagen dealer from 1955 until he retired in 1982. Upon retiring, he was given a large wall clock, which is still faithfully being wound and chimes to this day.
Richard and Erika came to Salem in the early 90’s to be near their only son, Robert. Richard enjoyed motorcycles until age 85, target shooting, downhill skiing, tennis, and going to the gym. When he was able, he sought out his friends often. He loved cats and dogs, and they loved him. He liked to laugh and wasn’t about making life too complicated.
Richard is survived by wife Erika, son Robert, daughter-in-law Mary, and really great neighbors Josh and Jessica, Rocky, Mel and Fred.
You can only live life forwards, if you want to understand it, you have to look backwards. And so we look back on a long life of Richard, with so many beautiful, fantastic and happy, but also sad and painful moments - all these moments have shaped him and made him the person we loved. Because even though Richard was quarrelsome and never avoided any conflict, he was above all sincere, selfless and open to me. And that's why it was wonderful, varied and exciting to be able to walk a part of life together with him. So now I look back, full of sadness, but also with gratitude for his fulfilled life and the chance to have met a valuable person.
Richard lived a long life but not as long as God intended for man to live on this earth. His original purpose was for people to live forever. He promises there will be a resurrection to eternal life in the near future. May his family and friends be encouraged by that promise. John 5:28,29; Psalms 37:9-11; Revelation 21:3,4
Ein beeindruckendes und spannendes Leben ist zu Ende gegangen. Vielleicht haben sich Richard und Erich im Himmel getroffen.
What an amazing life he led, and what amazing things he must have seen! Thank you for trusting Johnson Funeral Home with his arrangements.