Reichert, Ronald C.

Ronald C. Reichert, 72, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010, at Del E. Webb Hospital in Sun City West, Ariz. He was born Jan. 11, 1938, in Milwaukee, Wis., to Edward and Violet (Berberich) Reichert. He graduated from the Crippled Children's School (now Anne Carlsen School) in Jamestown, S.D. in 1956, then graduated from the Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking in Woodside, N.Y. in 1958. Ron worked as a watchmaker in Miller, S.D., until moving to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1965, to be a watchmaker for Omar and Marie Peiffer at Lindale Plaza. In 1976, he set up a watchmaking trade shop, retiring in 1990.

As a victim of polio when eight years old, Ron was active for nearly 30 years in the Iowa Post-polio Survivors Group, headquartered in Des Moines. Since 1979, Ron served on the board of Project Independence, a nineteen-unit apartment building for physically handicapped adults. He enjoyed cooking, spectator sports and reading, particularly about current events and politics.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and his stepfather, Fred A. DeYoung. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Dorothy R. Peterson; by his half-brother, Armand (Darlene) DeYoung of Mesa, Ariz.; and his half-sister, Janice Labor of Huron, S.D.

He is also survived by step-siblings, Larry (Susan Gerlich) of Westport, S.D., Carol (Vince) Hein of Huron, S.D., and Ann (Dallas) Hansen of Eden Prairie, Minn.

Ron lived in Hiawatha, Iowa, for many years, and for the last 10 years, he has enjoyed spending the winter months in Surprise, Ariz.

At his request, there will be no service. Any remembrances could be in the form of a donation to the Iowa Post-polio Survivors group.