A memorial service will be held in Felton on Feb. 9 for Harold Reichert, who died in Santa Cruz, attended by his family, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 90.
Born in Fort Morgan, Colo., Mr. Reichert was raised on a farm in Nebraska. As a young man, he enjoyed building his own boats, and he joined the United States Navy on his 18th birthday. As an enlisted man aboard the USS Dale, he survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Subsequently, he saw shipboard duty in the Pacific Theater, earning five battle stars.
Mr. Reichert remained in the Navy for 30 years, serving aboard the USS Benner and USS Randolph, followed by various shore postings in the Supply Corps. After his war service, he studied at University of Colorado, Boulder, and became a commissioned officer before 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, Mr. Reichert also did fine lapidary work and taught classes at the senior center.
Mr. Reichert is survived by his wife, Grace Reichert of Scotts Valley; and four children, Curtis Reichert, and his wife, Theresa, of Ukiah, David Reichert, and his wife, Suzanne, of Reno, Eric Reichert of Berkeley and Nancy Reichert Van Volkinburg, and her husband, David Van Volkinburg, of Southern California.
He is also survived by a brother, Dale; two sisters, Helen and Dorothy Mae; and nine grandchildren.
A service will begin at 11 a.m. Feb. 9 at the Felton Cemetery. A memorial gathering will follow at noon at Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, in Ben Lomond.
