David B. Reichter
David Bruce Reichter, 77, of Elkader, passed away on Dec. 22, 2020, at MercyOne Elkader Medical Center. Dave was born on Sept. 18, 1943, in Fort Dodge, the son of Wendell and Bernice (Keen) Reichter of Goldfield.
He was raised on the family farm, attended the Methodist United Church and graduated with the Goldfield High School class of 1961. He then attended and graduated from Iowa State University in Ames. He began working for the Farmers Home Administration, later renamed Farm Service Agency, in 1965, working in the New Hampton USDA office. It was during this time, in New Hampton, that he met his future wife, Cheryl Christoph. In 1968, he was transferred to the Elkader office, where he was the farm loan manager. Dave loved his job and he served the farmers in Clayton, Allamakee and Dubuque counties for over 48 years. In 1984, he received the USDA Superior Service Award in Washington, D.C. One of the things he loved the most about his job was helping young farmers get started farming. He also enjoyed going on farm visits and talking to his customers.
On Aug. 9, 1969, he married Cheryl, the love of his life, and they began their happy life in Elkader. They purchased a farm in 1976, and were happy to become farmers once more, in addition to his USDA job. On July 14, 1974, their son, Brian David, was born and their family became complete.
Some of the things that Dave enjoyed other than farming and his job with the USDA were participating in horse shows during the 1970s and early 1980s. He also enjoyed playing cards in a card club with special friends for over 40 years, going on car cruises in their red Mustang GT, hunting with family and friends and watching sports games, cheering for the ISU Cyclones and the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Vikings and the Packers. The thing that made him happiest was watching his son, Brian, play sports and, in later years, he loved watching his three grandchildren participate in all of their sports games and other activities. They were his pride and joy.
Dave is survived by his wife of 51 years, Cheryl; his son, Brian, and his wife, Kim (Fitzgerald) Reichter; his three grandchildren, Abby, Blake and Cael, of Hawkeye; in-laws, Jackie Reichter of Goldfield, John (Gladys) Christoph, Dave (Bern) Christoph, Steve (Mary) Christoph, Marj (Dennis) Troyna, all of New Hampton, Rosanne (Dennis) Wilke of Altoona, and Donna (Len) Huegel of LaCrescent, Minn.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Herbert and Marceile Christoph; his brother, Dean; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and a nephew.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to MercyOne Elkader Medical Center or Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkader.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com.
