Woodrow Pershing ‘Butch’ Reichel, 99, of Chocolay Township, formerly of Negaunee, passed away peacefully in the loving care of his family on Friday, June 29, 2018 at Mill Creek Assisted Living.

Butch was born February 2, 1919 in Negaunee to George and Laura (Hampton) Reichel and attended Negaunee schools. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served during WWII in the 94th Infantry Division in the European and African and Middle Eastern Theatre of Operations, including the famous Battle of the Bulge. Following his service to his country, Butch was employed as a welder with CCI, retiring in 1980 with 40 years of service. He married the late Lorraine (Cox) Reichel in 1944 and they were together for over 30 years until her passing in 1976. He was remarried in 1980 to Mary Margaret (Kaddatz) DeBroux.

Mr. Reichel was a devout member of Mitchell United Methodist Church, Negaunee, where he was a longtime member of the choir and the famous potato sausage crew. He was also a 30 year member of the Negaunee Male Chorus and former member of the Negaunee Elks and Negaunee Masonic Lodge. In his free time, Butch enjoyed working in the yard and going out to eat. More than anything, he loved time spent with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife of 38 years, Mary Margaret (DeBroux) Reichel; two daughters: Marcia (Ricky) Mattfield of Negaunee and Beverly Waters of Westland; four step-sons: Steven (Catherine), Rick (Ingrid) and Brian (Julia) DeBroux, all of Seattle, and William (Kristine) DeBroux of Green Bay; three grandchildren: William (Melissa) and Steve (Alysha) Waters, and David (Emily) Mattfield; five step-grandchildren: Adele (Eric) Sundquist, Max and Sam DeBroux, and Zoe and Thea DeBroux; three great-grandchildren: Milo Mattfield and Madeline and Tiffany Sundquist; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Lorraine; three sisters: Jane Maki, Violet Smith and Olive Paulson; and two brothers: Gordon and George Reichel, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am on Monday, July 9th at Mitchell United Methodist Churdch with Rev. Albert Barchue officiating. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 am until the time of services at 11:30 am at the church on Monday. A luncheon will immediately follow services in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Butch’s memory to Mitchell United Methodist Church.

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