Herbert Linden Reif

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Dear Dad at age 91 to COVID-19 at home. Dad was born at home in Oshkosh on July 30, 1930 to the late Rose (Ratzburg) Reif and Herbert A Reif. Dad met the love of his life, our mom, Patty Hotchkiss in junior high school and they married on April 3, 1954 at Trinity Episcopal Church. We were born of their love.

Herb proudly received his Eagle Scout from Troop 1 in Oshkosh. He was also a devoted military officer serving in the Army National Guard as a member of the 127th Infantry, part of the 32nd Division from 1947-1967, spending a year in Fort Lewis, WA. He retired as Captain, graduated from the Oshkosh Business College (UWO), and worked in insurance sales until retiring in 2018.

Herb was a member of St John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, serving on many committees. He was also an Elk and a Mason of Oshkosh Lodge 27 Free and Accepted Masons like his father and father-in-law.

Herb & Patty traveled extensively and shared their lives with many dogs and granddogs. They were Badger fans to the core attending hundreds of games over the years. It goes without saying - they were Packer fans. Boating and gardening were also favorite pastimes. Oh, how they loved to listen to all kinds of music and dance with the Edgewater Dance Club!

Herb is survived by his loving daughters: Lynda (Tom) Poeschl and Stephanie “Stevie” (Mark) Reich; grandchildren: Lisa, Christopher (Molly) and Lyndsay Poeschl, Carly (Ryan) Weyers, and Andrew Reich; great-grandchildren: Hayley Lynden Poeschl, and Evelyn and Sydney Weyers; half-sister: Jody (Dave) Ziemann; step sister-in-law: Virginia Heidemann and niece: Gail (Dave) Scoates.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his “Sweetie Pie” Patty in 2005; step-brother: Jim Heidemann; in-laws: George & Lois Hotchkiss; brother-in-law & sister-in-law: Fredrick (Fritz) & Elaine Hotchkiss and niece: Karen Hotchkiss Russell.

A memorial service with Military Honors will be held at 3pm Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at St John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 808 N Main St, Oshkosh, WI with the Rev. Dr. Tom Fritz officiating. Visitation will be held from 1pm until the time of services. Entombment will be at Lake View Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in the loving memory of Herb & Patty Reif supporting Melanoma research to the UW Carbone Cancer Center.

A very special thank you goes out to all who made it possible for Dad to stay in his home until the very end. The promise was made by Lynda & Stevie and with the help of Tom, Lyndsay and Lisa, it was kept.

We will miss you every day! Daddy Date Nights were always so much fun!
Hugs & Kisses. Love you always!
Lyn & Stevie