M. Jean Reichenbach was co-owner of Reichenbach Lumber
M. Jean Reichenbach, 93, passed away peacefully at 11:33 p.m. on August 12, 2024 at Bluffton Hospital. Jean was born December 25, 1930 in Bluffton to the late Hiram and Martha (Augsburger) Burkholder. She married Paul F. Reichenbach on July 25, 1948 and he passed away on July 3, 2014.
Jean was a 1948 graduate of Bluffton High School. Along with her husband, Paul, Jean was co-owner of Reichenbach Lumber for 20 years. In retirement she enjoyed working at Deer Creek Antiques and as Volunteer Director at Bluffton Community Hospital. She continued her volunteer service to Bluffton Hospital for many years. Jean was a founding member of Reaching Women and Mothers Night Out Club. She also enjoyed serving at her church, Ebenezer Mennonite Church, particularly in the music ministry. Paul and Jean enjoyed traveling, including trips to France and India to visit missionaries. Paul and Jean’s favorite vacation spot was at their home on Apple Mountain, North Carolina, and they shared this home with many visitors. Jean was happiest when she was outside working in her flowers.
Jean is survived by a daughter-in-law, Barbara Reichenbach of Buckeye, Arizona; daughter, Karlyn (Bob) Holt of Bluffton; son, Dean (Jennifer) Reichenbach of Smithville, Tennessee; and daughter, Ann (Don) Leader of Bluffton. She is survived by six grandchildren: Lorianne Bruessel of Buckeye, Arizona, Mary Beth (Jon) Carrino of Palmdale, California, Dr. Sarah (Jared) Lehman of Bluffton; Dr. Rachel (Dr. Andrew) Terlecky of Granville, Ohio; Lt. Dr. Peter Reichenbach of Portsmouth, Virginia; and Elias (Laura) Leader of New Providence, New Jersey. Jean is also survived by ten great-grandchildren: Devin and Logan Bruessel, Cody and Timothy Carrino, Jacob and Eli Lehman, Paul Terlecky, Katherine Reichenbach, and Ella and Ryan Leader.
In addition to her parents and husband, Jean was preceded in death by a son, Rex Reichenbach; a grandson, Andrew Paul Reichenbach; a sister and brother-in-law Joan and Jim Dailey; brothers and sisters-in-law Donald and Dorothy Burkholder and David and Mildred Burkholder, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Verl (Leona) Reichenbach, Esther Reichenbach, Marcele (Eugene) Kohli, and Roger Reichenbach.
A memorial service for Jean will begin at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Ebenezer Mennonite Church, 8905 Columbus Grove-Bluffton Road, Bluffton. Pastors David Glick and Dick Potter officiating. A private burial will be in Ebenezer Mennonite Cemetery prior to the service. Visitation will be Friday, August, 16, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 117, Continental, Ohio. 45831; Ebenezer Mennonite Church, 8905 Columbus Grove Road, Bluffton Ohio, 45817; Youth for Christ of Northwest Ohio, P. O. Box 514, Findlay, Ohio, 45840 or Maple Crest, 700 Maple Crest Ct., Bluffton, OH. 45817.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton is honored to be providing services to Jean's family.
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Friday, October 9, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, October 9
- Pirate girls soccer loss vs. St. Marys
- Pirate volleyball sweeps Carey
- “The Trumpet Player” sculpture at Bluffton University receives conservation grant
- October 9 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Plenty of action at Oct 10 Dillinger robbery reenactment and motorcycle show
- Caitlyn Couch junior piano recital, October 16
- Bluffton community survey opens for Active Transportation Plan
Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines on Thursday, October 8
- St. John Bible Church to host "Refocus on Purpose" workshop
- Royal riches: Gout
- Has Bluffton made a birder out of you?
- BPL Afterschool activity: Curious Kids Club
- Book and pizza tasting at Bluffton Public Library
- Final 50 for 250 performance at BPL
- Walking through the Suter Corn Maze
- Resident feedback sought for Regional Transportation Plan
- Bluffton University honors three for service, achievement and leadership
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
- Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting, Friday, Oct. 9
- Fire extinguished at SRK Industries, plant resumed operation same day
- Bluffton girls tie Grove in NWC showdown
- Pirate volleyball falls to powerhouse Patriots
- BHS GOAT: Latin teacher Margaret Weaver
- Library patrons invited to showcase their collections or causes
- September 2026 land transfers in the Bluffton school district