Obituary
Fredric "Fritz" Reichel, age 89, of Neenah, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 14, 2022. Fritz was born January 12, 1933 in Neenah son of the late Fred and Elsie (Gaudian) Reichel.
Fritz graduated from Neenah High School in 1951. He then married his wife Betty Schuelke of 68 years in July of 1953. They were the first couple to be wed at the newly built Trinity Lutheran Church in Menasha. Since 1998, he and Betty have been members of St. Mark Lutheran church in Symco. After a 1 week honeymoon, he joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Leonardwood, MO. Then during the Korean War he was sent to Germany with the 6th Armored Division and was an electrician's helper. When he returned home he worked for Abraham Carpet and Drapery until 1966 when he started his own business called Superior Carpet Service which he ran for 42 years. He was well known in the Fox Valley for his exceptional workmanship and silver work vans. He installed carpet for many stores including Jandreys, Pranges, Gimbels, and Marshall Fields. He also worked part time as a courier for Associated Bank until retirement. In 1990 he (with help!) built their retirement home on their 85 acre hunting property outside of New London that they bought in 1966. This new house took the place of the old green cabin he called 'The Shack'. He sang in the choir at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Neenah and was also a soloist for many weddings. It came natural to him as he never learned how to read music. He also loved to go to the Hodag and play guitar and sing around the campfire. He was a Western history buff and enjoyed watching Gunsmoke (Ms. Kitty) and reading Louis L'Amour books. He and Betty also spent some winters in Yuma, AZ and it made him feel like he was part of the Wild West. He and Betty liked to go to parades and for Sunday drives, especially anywhere there was live music so they could dance. He and Betty were the cutest couple and an attraction on the dance floor anywhere they went! Then again it may have been the bath in Polo cologne he took before they went out? His side hobby was to be a professional bullshitter while out on the town too. They had Shake-O-Day at the Land which was popular with friends, family, and visitors. In 1986 he had a life changing experience and had to have an emergency Ostomy that he dealt with the rest of his life. Fritz was an avid duck and deer hunter and general outdoorsman. He never missed Opening Day of duck season in his life with or without a gun! His hunting days were cut short though in 2000 when he had a pacemaker inserted and the Dr's said the recoil of a gun could tear the wires out. He was proud of his Korean Veteran status, and in 2013, he and Paul were fortunate enough to go on the Old Glory Honor Flight to Washington, DC. which was a very powerful experience! In 2010, he and Betty turned the Land over to the kids in order to protect it from the state. It was contingent on getting healthcare assistance out in the swamp for as long as needed. Well that time came last March when Fritz and Betty both went into assisted living in Neenah. It took a lot of trust for them to sign the land over but it will be cherished forever !!! Later in life, he couldn't remember what he had for breakfast but while riding around to appointments or whatever, he could tell you every house he installed carpet in.
Fritz is survived by his wife Betty, his children: Debra Reichel, Julie (Joe) McIlhone, LeAnn (Drew A.) Amond and Paul (Mandy) Reichel. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Drew P. Amond (fianc Casey) and Callie Amond and a brother, Ronald (Chris) Reichel. Fritz was preceded in death by his step-mother, Leona Reichel, five sisters, Ruth, Esther, Marian, Evelyn and Lois and an infant twin brother.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at the Kessler Funeral Home, 304 S. Commercial St., Neenah. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Full Military Honors will be conducted by the Neenah-Menasha Funeral Honors Team following services. Masks are encouraged. Memorials may be sent to: St. Mark Lutheran Church, N7534 Church St., Manawa, WI 54949
A big THANK YOU goes out to all the healthcare professionals that have helped out over the years! Now that Dad is in the big duck blind in the sky, he always had one tip to give....... 'Never piss into the wind' !!! Rest in peace Old Fart.......


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