Peter Charles Reichenbach, 74, “departed this world to join Jesus” Friday, March 13, 2015.
He was born on Oct. 8, 1940, in Spokane to John and Marguerite Reichenbach. Pete attended St. Patrick’s grade school and Gonzaga High School in Spokane.
Throughout his life on earth, Pete was a man of many giftings. He was an athlete, a boxer, a sprint car racer and a fisherman. Pete had an artistic flair as well, and especially loved to create stained glass works of art for friends and family. It was hard to have a conversation with Pete without missing his good sense of humor and mischievous spirit — a spirit that even military life could not take away from him.
At the age of 25, Pete was drafted into the Navy and served four years in the Vietnam War. Pete courageously served our country building bridges as part of the Seabees in the war and was awarded the following medals/badges: Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Fleet Marine Combat Operations Insignia, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device and a Purple Heart. During his time there, he made lifelong friends with his service members and had the privilege to reconnect with them in 2012.
Pete worked as a longshoreman in the Vancouver, Washington, area where he eventually retired. During retirement, he decided to winter in Arizona which is where he would meet his life partner and best friend.
Among the most important of his many accomplishments, Pete was a dedicated father and grandfather. On Valentine’s Day in 1999, Pete married the love of his life, Joyce Gross. He embraced her five children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren as his own. Pete developed a special relationship with each member of the family and was known to love to visit, tease, play catch and give special wheelchair rides to the smallest of these. He will be gratefully remembered for the earnest way in which he cared and provided for his wife during their 16 years of marriage.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marguerite Reichenbach; and his grandson, Justin Francis.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce; sons, Bill, Rick and Gene Gross; daughters, Bonnie Riedel and Wanda Galloway, and their families, including 16 grandchildren nine great-grandchildren; brother, John Reichenbach; and sisters, Ethel, Alice, Marge and Ann, and their spouses.
A family memorial service was held March 15. Pete was blessed by the ability to say goodbye to his beloved family and pass into heaven in the comfort of his home. The family rejoices in knowing that Pete is with the Lord where we know he is experiencing abundant joy.
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy. At your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11.