Joan M. Reichenberger

Joan “Jo-Ann” Marie Reichenberger, 72, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on October 1st at her home in McPherson. Joan was a retired teacher and most recently taught 8^th grade English at Prairie Hills Middle School. 

Joan was born on November 15, 1949, in South Bend, IN, the daughter of Leo F. and Virginia E. (White) Tschechtelin.  She attended Curé of Ars Catholic School in Leawood, KS, graduated from Bishop-Miege High School (Roeland Park, KS) and St. Mary of the Plains College (Dodge City, KS), and earned a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Wichita State University (Wichita, KS).  

On July 7, 1973, Joan was united in marriage to Donald James Reichenberger, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Kansas City, MO. This union was blessed with three children, Jennifer, Brian, and Sarah.

Joan held many accomplishments professionally, but she would be the first to tell you she was most proud of her role as mother and grandmother. She loved her family fiercely and was always eager to celebrate all the milestones and occasions, no matter how big or small! She loved celebrating life and really treasured the gift of motherhood.

She was well known for her contagious energy and great sense of humor, but it is her devout and unwavering faith that those closest will remember about her. 

Joan was a passionate leader in the community, a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph Altar Society, Parish Finance Committee, PEO Chapter AY, and Progressive Literature Club.  She served on the McPherson Hospital Board of Directors and was an officer on the St. Joseph School Board and the McPherson USD 418 School Board. 

Survivors include: her loving husband, Don; children, Jennifer (Dr. Michael) McGinnis of Overland Park, KS, Brian Reichenberger of Plano, TX, and Sarah (Mark) Provino of Breckenridge, CO; two siblings, Dr. James (Susan) Tschechtelin and Carol Halstead, both of The Villages, FL; four grandchildren, Lucas, Isabella “Izzy”, Molly, and Kate; and many more family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, McPherson, with Father Benjamin Shockey officiating.  Final resting place will be in the mausoleum at McPherson Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 5, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with Rosary to begin at 7:00 PM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  To view a live stream broadcast of the Mass, please click on the following link: https://stjosephmcpherson.com/mass

Memorial donations are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic School, McPherson Hospital, or PEO Chapter AY in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.