Mary Reichel

Mary Reichel, age 76,  of Thornton, Colorado, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 23, 2024, after suffering an illness.  Mary was born December 5, 1947 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  She grew up in Wells, MN with 2 older brothers and a younger sister, her dad was the town doctor and her mother a teacher. Growing up, she had lots of family and friends in town and often recounted fond memories of summers at the lake, family gatherings and as she got older working as a lifeguard at the town pool.After a short tenure as a student in college, Mary met Mark Reichel and they married in 1970.  Shortly after, they moved to Colorado for work. They settled in and bought a house where she lived for 41 years then moved to Thornton, CO in 2013. Together they had 3 children and fostered several others through Catholic Charities for a time.  While the kids were young, she spent most of her time nurturing their bodies, minds and spirits.  She volunteered at the catholic school they attended, got them to all their games, practices and activities and volunteered there too.  She often recalled with joy spending many hours cheering at the baseball fields and as the boys got older, the adventures of traveling with the team.  She never missed a baseball, soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, track or even wrestling match.  She had a wonderful sense of humor even when pranks came at her expense.  She would laugh so hard that she couldn’t make a sound and tears would be streaming down her cheeks. 

Mary was enjoying an active retirement after working for 30 years between The Children’s Hospital and District 50 schools.  In her retirement, she enjoyed traveling, gardening and spending lots of time with family and friends.   Attending family events and supporting the grandkids at activities became her full time job.  She didn’t miss a thing and was available at a moments notice.  She was fiercely devoted to her family.  She looked forward to holidays and celebrations of all kinds and made each and every one special, no matter how big or small.  Whether it be a big Christmas celebration or a sleep over with the grandkids building a double decker bed on the pull out couch or watching a scary movie, it was a special occasion.  She was up to do anything.   Her friends were another exceptional joy in her life, getting together was full of laughter, food and fun.  They often enjoyed playing cards, marbles and Bingo.  She loved to travel, most recently, she went on a cruise through Spain with a group of friends. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 28 years, Mark Reichel, her parents, Dr. Mark and Genevieve Virnig and brother, Mark Virnig.  She is survived and lovingly remembered by her 3 children: Rose Hays (Christopher) of Thornton, Pete Reichel (Amy) of Henderson and Derek Reichel (Dawn) of Frederick and Jammie Reichel of Erie. 8 grandchildren: Paige Reichel, Bella Reichel, Brooke Hays, Lauren Reichel, Logan Hays, Blake Hays, Mylie Hays, Reid Hays and 1 great-granddaughter: Emmerlynn Alvino, her brother Michael Virnig of Wells, MN and her sister Maggie Fidelman (David) of Lakewood, CO.  Along will many nephews, nieces, cousins and extended family and friends.Mary will be held close in our hearts and memories and sorely missed each day.  We are eternally grateful to have had her in our lives and to call her Mom, Grandma, Mimi, sister and friend.We will celebrate her life with an open house celebration: 

   Saturday, September 14, 2024.  1:00-3:00pm    Trail Winds Recreation Center  

                  Cottonwood Room 

                  13495 Holly Street 

                  Thornton, CO 80602 

The family would love if you have a fond memory or picture you’d like to share please send either by mail or email to the address below to be shared at her celebration.  

Email: [email protected]

Mail: Derek Reichel        

 P.O. Box 0929        

Frederick, CO 80530-0929