John Christopher Reichert, Sr.

John Christopher Reichert Sr., 67, of Columbia Illinois, passed away on September 14, 2026, in Belleville, Illinois. He was born on July 15, 1959, in Belleville. The oldest of four children, he grew up in Columbia and graduated from Columbia high school in 1977.

John began working as a welder after high school and later worked as a steelworker at Cerro Copper. He went on to work in maintenance and groundskeeping at Todd Hall Conference and Retreat Center until his diabetes made it difficult for him to continue working.

He loved antique tractors, especially Olivers, and belonged to several tractor clubs. He was particularly interested in the early gasoline engines from the days when steam power was being replaced. Many family vacations were road trips to tractor shows. He also enjoyed Ford vehicles, Civil War and other history documentaries, chicken wings, ice cream, and strawberry bologna sandwiches.

John had a good sense of humor, many lifelong friends, and always seemed to know everyone. He went out of his way to help friends and family, often buying things at auctions because he thought someone might need them. He wanted his sons to become “productive members of society” and emphasized hard work, honesty, fairness, and helping others.

As his health complications grew, he still liked to talk about family history and local folklore. He was an encyclopedia of knowledge: ask him anything, and he would know. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. We will take comfort in knowing he is at peace now with the Lord, his parents, and all that have gone before him.

John is survived by his sons, John (Sara) Reichert and Robert Reichert; granddaughter, Savannah Kinman; siblings, Rita Reichert, James “Jim” (Ruthann) Reichert, and Rosanne Reichert; and nieces nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary (née Corner) Reichert.

The family prefers memorial contributions to Immaculate Conception Church in Columbia, the American Diabetes Association, or the Columbia FFA.

Visitation:
4 PM to 8 PM Friday, September 18, 2026 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL
8:30 AM to 10 AM Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia, IL

Funeral Mass:
10 AM Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia, IL
 Fr. Brian Barker, Officiating
Interment will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Columbia, IL