Donald Eugene Reichert

Don Reichert, long time automobile dealer in Wenatchee, passed away peacefully on Sept. 27th from complications of the Alzheimer's Dementia disease. Donald Eugene was born on May 4, 1930 to Alvin and Ada Reichert of New Leipzig, North Dakota. He spent his youth living in both Tacoma, Washington and North Dakota where he loved working on the family farm. He graduated from Kapowsin High School in 1948, and then joined the Marine Corp Reserves where he served until 1951 in The Korean War. Upon returning home, he married Florine McCoy, the mother of his two boys: Donald Steven Reichert born in 1954, and Douglas Richard Reichert born in 1956. Don started his automobile career in Olympia, WA with Dick Lewis Pontiac/Cadillac. After moving to Wenatchee, he acquired the Datsun franchise in 1968, which is now known as Nissan, and operated this dealership for 40 years. Over the years, he also owned the Lincoln Mercury, Isuzu, and the Toyota franchises. Don was married to Carol Sanderson for 17 years until 1975. In 1981, Don married Jane Gilmer. Don was dedicated to two things: His church and the automobile industry. He was known nationwide for his work in the industry, serving for many years on the Nissan Advisory Council and the American International Automobile Dealer Association, he was chairman in 1994. Most recently, he served for 16 years on the Federated Insurance Board of Directors representing the auto industry until 2013. During his career he was recognized many times for his service and business success. He was named AIADA's " Dealer of Distinction", and received the prestigious "All Star Dealer Award". Don was chosen Washington State Auto Dealer of the Year and also won the coveted Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award. In 1999, Don was the founding Chairman for a new local bank, NCW Community Bank. He was a 40-year member of Downtown Rotary, serving as their President in 1999. He was both a Paul Scea and Paul Harris Fellow. He was honored as an "Outstanding Friend of Wenatchee Valley College" and truly lived the Rotary's motto: "Service above Self". During their 35 years of marriage, Don and Jane enjoyed traveling the world and spending time at their vacation home on Lake Chelan. Don was preceded in death by his parents and son, "Donny". He is survived by his wife, Jane; son, Doug, Thornton, WV; sister, Verna Passmore, Tacoma, WA; three granddaughters, Lacey Antoni, Beaverton, OR, Brianna Reichert, Stillwater OK, Angela Galanti, Vancouver, WA, and four great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the First United Methodist Church, 941 Washington St, Wenatchee, WA 98801, Confluence Health Foundation, Alzheimer's Association, or charity of your choice. You are invited to view his online guestbook at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com . Services will be held on Thursday, October 6, 2016, 1:00 pm Graveside interment with Military Honors at Wenatchee Cemetery followed by Memorial Services, 3:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, Wenatchee. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Donald Eugene Reichert

May 4, 1930 - September 26, 2016