Leader Publications

Born: Dec. 24, 1937

Died: Nov. 25, 2012

George Leon Reichanadter, 74, of Barron Lake Road, Niles, Mich., died on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012 at Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles.  He was born Dec. 24, 1937 in South Bend to George Leo & Marian Frances (Bower) Reichanadter.

Reichanadter

George enlisted in the United States Navy on Jan. 14, 1958 and served his country honorably for 7 1/2 years.  He was a member of the American Legion in Niles.  He worked for Joe Hayden Ford for 14 years.  He was co-owner of G & G Auto Service in Niles.  George went on to work for Kalin Construction Company for 18 years and was known there as, “The Thinker.”  He was a fan of NASCAR, especially driver Ryan Newman and was very proud of his Notre Dame team this year.

George was a member and Elder of the First Church of Christ – Christian, where he served his Lord & Savior.  There he taught Bible Study and Sunday School for many years.  George prayed for his country every day.

George married his wife of 46 years, Janelle Ann Bybee in Niles on Sept. 3, 1966.  She survives with their children; Kathleen (Ron) Ballard of New York, Patricia Martin of Mishawaka, Tristie Coleman of Niles and Cassandra Bliss Reichanadter, grandchildren; Drew Ober, Amanda (Andrew) Castillo and Alexander Reichanadter all of Texas, Jessica Garvin and Brian J. Garvin, both of Florida, Elizabeth Coleman of Niles and Deanna Corbett of New York.  George is also survived by six great-grandchildren, a sister, Joan Cook of South Bend and many nieces and nephews that loved him.

George was preceded in death by his son Rick Lee Reichanadter, who died Jan. 10, 2006.

Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. Friday until the time of the service at the church. A Memorial Service will be held at Noon on Friday, Nov. 30, 2012 at First Church of Christ – Christian in Niles with Rev. David Szymczak of the church officiating.  The service will conclude with the Flag Presentation and Military Honors in the churchyard by the United States Navy Honor Guard and American Legion Post 51 of Buchanan, Mich.

Contributions in memory of George may be made to the First Church of Christ – Christian, Niles. www.halbritterfunerals.com The Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, is assisting with arrangements.