Cynthia ‘Cindy’ Reichard

Cynthia “Cindy” Reichard, 64, Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 9:55 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2020, at her home.  This followed a valiant and fierce 12 month battle with lung cancer.

On July 3, 1956, Cynthia Kay Johnson was born in Michigan City. She was the treasured daughter of Robert E. and Donna M. Patzel Johnson. Growing up she shared her childhood with four brothers:  Bob, Kevin, Sven and Brian.  During her high school years, Cindy was a member of the Cavalettes, rocking the streets of Culver on the parade route to Gary Glitter Rock & Roll Parts 1 & 2.  She graduated from Culver High School in 1974.

On September 13, 1974, Cindy fell in love and married the man of her dreams, Mr. Dennis Omer Reichard at the Leiter’s Ford United Methodist Church.   They enjoyed over 44 years of life’s adventures.  From their union came a beautiful daughter, Ashley Marie. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of twin granddaughters.

Cindy was a lady of many talents and diverse interests.  She drove for Transpo, served on the management team of Kralis Brothers, ran the radios as dispatcher under sheriff’s Newgent and McLochlin and more recently ran the Sand Burr Gun Ranch.  She was known as “Ma” to the officers and was a devoted wife of a police officer.  A dynamic domestic engineer, Cindy’s most treasured titles were that of loving wife, cool Mom and an amazing Grandma.

On the opening day of deer season Cindy always made time to hunt as well as feed the hungry hunters her hot steamy biscuits and gravy.  The holidays were magical with her artwork. Accomplished with folk and toll painting Cindy created many pieces featuring Santa and the Snowmen to enhance to mood and season.  Gifted with her hands she crocheted gifts of warmth hats, scarves and sweaters for her beautiful twin grands.  Many memories were made when Madeline and Lillian boarded the Kawasaki Mule named Ruth.  Wildlife expeditions, cruising the perimeter with Grandma Cindy and many days of exploring were enjoyed by all.

In the last year there were many trips to “Pure Michigan.” Whether the setting was on the sparking waters of Lake George enjoying the 3-generation “girls only,” weekend or the tranquil view of Lake Michigan from their South Haven cabin, then heading down to the sandy lakeshore; the common denominator present was many laughs, storytelling and reminiscing, all while great memories were made lasting a lifetime.

Left to cherish Cindy’s memory are her daughter, Ashley M. Gibbons and husband Austin;  twin granddaughters: Madeline Kay Gibbons and Lillian Marie Gibbons all of Rochester;  her mother Donna Johnson of Culver; 3 brothers: Robert Johnson of Michigan City, Kevin Johnson and Sven Johnson both of Culver; a sister-in-law, Nancy Reinholt and husband Dennis, of Rochester; and her treasured canine companion, “Red,” the English Golden Retriever.

Preceding Cindy in death are her father, Bob Johnson; beloved husband Denny on May 8, 2019,  and a brother, Brian Johnson.