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ROBERT WALTER REICHERT

DECEMBER 26, 1950 – JULY 29, 2026

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bob was baptized at St. John’s on Vliet Street, attended grade school at Mt. Lebanon, and graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran High School in 1968. In January 1970, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force, training as an Air Traffic Controller and spending 1972 stationed in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable discharge in January 1974, he continued his work as an Air Traffic Controller with the Federal Aviation Administration at the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center in Aurora, Illinois.

After President Ronald Reagan ended the PATCO strike in August 1981, Bob redirected his path, returning to school and joining the marketing department at Time, Inc. in 1983. In 1988, he transitioned to Illinois Bell Communications as a telephone equipment designer, remaining with the company through three corporate transitions before retiring from AT&T in 2008.

In 1977, Bob met the love of his life, Christine, and the two were married in 1978. Together, they raised two children, David and Becky. Bob was a devoted husband, a faithful provider, and an ever-present force in his children’s lives—serving as a Cub Scout master, a softball coach, and the all-around fix-it guy and driver for the drumline. His dedication to service extended deep into his community, where he served Woodridge Memorial VFW Post 1578 in numerous capacities for over three decades. In retirement, Bob cherished fishing trips and traveling with Christine. He also kept busy as the general maintenance man for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School in Downers Grove and as the public relations coordinator for the Woodridge VFW.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Christine, and their two children, David (Mary) and Becky (Devin). He was affectionately known as “Pops” to his six grandsons: Zion, Abraham, Gilbert, Jacob, Zachary, and Nathan. He is also survived by his two sisters, Linda (and the late Robert) and Marlene (Scott); his brothers-in-law, Frank (Denise) and John (Maureen); and many dear nieces and nephews.

Above all, Bob was a man of deep Christian faith—chosen by God, loved and forgiven by Jesus, and brought to faith through the work of the Holy Spirit. While he will be profoundly missed here on earth, his family takes comfort in knowing he is now part of the company of saints in heaven, testifying to the everlasting grace and faithfulness of God.

Visitation 3-9 p.m. Wednesday August 5^th at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 301 75^th St., Downers Grove, where Christian Funeral Service will be held at 7 p.m. that evening.  Interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Woodridge Memorial VFW Post 1578.