After an illness of several months, Father Fred Reichart died at his home near Valley Falls, Kansas, at the age of 67 years, 6 months and 10 days.
Father Reichart was born April 15, 1837, at Hessen, Germany. At the age of fifteen years, he came to America, settling in the state of Wisconsin, where he lived until the year 1857. At this time he removed to Kansas, taking up almost immediately the location which was to be his home for nearly half a century. On July 10, 1860, he was married to Margaret Abbuehl and thus created a home and family life, which from the beginning exerted a large influence for good. Seven sons and one daughter frew to manhood and womanhood, carrying into the homes of their own the Christian principles inculcated by God-fearing parents.
Something like twenty years ago, he became identified with the Evangelical Association and subsequently upheld the church of his choice with a true and sincere devotion. His testimony was always clear and especially during his last illness, in speaking of the end which he knew to be coming, would he state his readiness to depart. On the last Sunday of his life he once more decided to take part in prayer, and though physical weakness would not allow its completion, he yet began to repeat the Lord’s Prayer, and then sank back satisfied.
Father Reichart was everywhere held in high esteem. During the Civil War, he spent three years with the army and gained the good will of all his comrades, as was touchingly shown through the respect he enjoyed from former companions of the army recounting experiences of the field.
His last illness, dropsy, began to take definite form about four months ago. At one time, even after the disease had made considerable progress he seemed entirely cured and all hoped that his recovery might be permanent. But God had ordered otherwise and gently removed him to Himself on October 25, 1904. We weep not as those who have no hope, but looking forward, we ourselves also one of that innumerable throng meeting him and others who have gone before and enjoying life eternal. May God comfort the bereaved.
Burial: From the Coal Creek Church