Gordon Henry Reichenberg of Mitchell, South Dakota, formerly of Sutherland, Nebraska passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the age of 96. After several months of declining health, Gordon died peacefully at Mitchell Avera Brady Health and Rehab, surrounded by family.
Gordon was born in Arthur, Nebraska, on February 14, 1927, to father Henry John Reichenberg and mother Esther May Reichenberg. The third child born of six children, Gordon lived and grew up on the family ranch in Arthur County.
Gordon and his family moved to Los Angeles, California, at the beginning of WWII. He enlisted in the Navy at age 18 and served on several vessels until 1946. He was awarded the Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Medal.
At the end of the war, Gordon and his family returned to Nebraska. His parents opened a motel in Ogallala, Nebraska, and Gordon set out on his own. He met Josephine (Bonnie) Ellen Crouse in Arthur, Nebraska, and they were married in September of 1951. Four children were born to this union – Russell Gene, Peggy Jo, Craig Allen, and Gordon Dean.
After several moves, the family settled in Rushville, Nebraska, where Gordon started his lifelong career with Nebraska Public Power. A promotion led Gordon and Bonnie to move to Sutherland, Nebraska, in 1976 to manage the Sutherland Nebraska Public Power office. After his retirement from Nebraska Public Power, Gordon continued to work part-time at the Sutherland Schools.
After Bonnie’s death in 2002, Gordon relocated to Hay Springs and lived with his son Russell and wife Elke for 13 years. Upon Russell’s retirement, he moved with the couple to Ethan, South Dakota, in 2017. His later years were spent at Edgewood Assisted Living and Avera Brady Senior Living in Mitchell, South Dakota.
Gordon loved following Nebraska Cornhusker football and PGA golf. In 2015, Gordon enjoyed an Honor Flight to Washington DC with his son Russell. He made trips to California to see his sister and brother and trips to Texas to see Peggy. He enjoyed the visits but was always glad to come back to Nebraska.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, wife Bonnie, son Dean, and three brothers.
He is survived by children Russell (Elke) Reichenberg, Peggy (Jerry) Rhoden, Craig Reichenberg, 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sister Sharlene, brother Gene, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. (C.T) in Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska with Pastor Ben Reichenberg of Riverside Church of Sioux Falls, South Dakota officiating
Online condolences may be left by clicking the Share a Memory or the Tribute Wall Button by going to www.drauckerfh.com.
Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala has been entrusted with arrangements.