Kenneth B. Reichert, 88, of Columbia, died April 7, 2024. He was born Feb. 28, 1936, in Columbia, son of the late Wilbert and Pauline (nee Weilbacher) Reichert. He was married to Helen (nee Vogel) Reichert, who survives him. They were married July 8, 1959, in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Columbia.

Kenneth retired from the aerospace division of Emerson Electric in St. Louis. With or without a physics book in his hand, he could fix anything. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army and later in the Army Reserves, having spent most of his time in Germany. He and his wife Helen never missed a Columbia High School sporting event, and after retiring he was a school bus driver for the Columbia School District as well as being a maintenance man at Acorns Golf Links and spending time at Stumpy’s Distillery. 

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and photography. But most of all, he loved being with his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandpa.

Also surviving are his son David Reichert of Columbia; daughter Cheryl (Allen) Stumpf of Columbia; grandchildren Adam (Laura) Stumpf, Andrew Stumpf and Jacob Reichert; great-grandchildren, Charlotte Stumpf, Emma Stumpf and Henry Stumpf; brother Earl A. (Carol) Reichert of Columbia; sisters-in-law Pat Vogel and Betty Reichert, both of Waterloo; along with other relatives and friends.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Harold T. Reichert, brother-in-law Fritz Vogel and sister-in-law Viola (Buddy) Frank.

Visitation is 3-7 p.m. April 14 at Leesman Funeral Home, Columbia. 

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. April 15 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Columbia, with Fr. Steve Thoma, C.R. officiating. 

Interment will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Columbia. 

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: Immaculate Conception Church, Columbia; or Hospice of Southern Illinois, Belleville.

Leesman Funeral Home, Columbia, handled arrangements.