Joel Reibstein Obituary

Joel Reibstein After a long and full life, Joel Reibstein passed away on November 13th, 2012 at 91 years of age while in residence at Waverly Heights Retirement Community in Gladwyne, PA, where he has lived for the past 12 years so he could be near his son, Professor David Reibstein of the Wharton School and his family. A memorial service will be held at Waverly Heights Retirement Community on Saturday, November 17, from 3-5 p.m. On Friday, November 16th, a small family funeral will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka, KS at 11am, following a viewing at Penwell Gabel at 10am. Joel was born in Seattle, WA on August 31, 1921 to Molly Rosenthal and David Jay Reibstein. In 1944, he married Bessie Tkatch with whom he shared 54 loving years before her passing in 1998. He is survived by his sons, Larry and David, his caring daughter-in-law, Karen, two grandchildren, Sasha and Seth, and their spouses, Jones and Maggie, and most recently by his great-grandson, Grayson. He is predeceased by his son, Steven, and his two sisters, Anna and Esther. After obtaining a degree in Pharmacy from the University of Washington, Joel relocated to Topeka, KS in 1946 where he co-owned and worked as a pharmacist at Jayhawk Drug (2 locations). He was also a pharmacist and owner of Seacrest Drug, Wild Willies Pharmacy and Northside Pharmacy. Joel was active until his final days, known for taking long walks, rain or shine, and for his energy in participating in his community, most recently through managing Waverly Height's second hand store, Windfall. During his time as a resident at Waverly, he cultivated a rich community of friends, who appreciated his sense of humor and lighthearted demeanor. He had a green thumb, particularly for growing exceptional dahlia blooms and delicious tomatoes, which he tended in gardens in both Gladwyne and Topeka. He also enjoyed golfing, stamp and coin collecting as well as watching football, basketball and golfing while rooting for his favorite team, the KU Jayhawks. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Temple Beth Shalom, 4200 SW Munson Ave., Topeka, KS 66604.

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Published by Main Line Media News from Nov. 19 to Nov. 21, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Joel Reibstein

7 Entries

Jill Sondker

November 26, 2012

David...so happy for you and your father for being able to spend these last years living near each other and enjoying dinners and watching KU play on TV. He was a lucky man to have you near and I know you feel the same way about having him close by...it's the memories that we get to keep with us.

November 16, 2012

To the family of Joel Riebstein. I used to work with Joel at Blaylock Drug #1 on West 10th Street. Joel was a pleasure to work with, sincerely. He was, difinitely, a unique individual. He had a quick wit, easy to laugh, and a very unusual sense of humor. These were endearing qualities that I liked about Joel. Another thing, which I respected immensely, was his candor. He told what he was thinking. He was unabashed and honest. I will miss his wit, humore and that he LOVED to golf. He loved to share his frustration of the game, which was very hilarious. But he loved life, he loved Bess, and he DEFINITELY loved his family. I loved hearing about Sasha and Seth, and his SON, who was the professor at Whartons, and his Son who lived in California. My sincerest condolences to you all.

Sam Jenkins.

Kathleen Arbogast

November 16, 2012

I remember Joel well from both Wild willie's and North Side Pharmacy. He was a good man and pharmacist. My thoughts and prayers to his family

November 16, 2012

David and Family

I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was a wonderful person. You and your family our in my thoughts and prayers.

Cindy (Allison) Seals

Ron Hein

November 16, 2012

David,

I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your father, who I still can picture after all of these many years. I was so happy to get to see you at the reunion, and to catch up with your many accomplishments and successes in life. My wife Julie's and my thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult days.

Ron and Julie Hein

Ruth Maus

November 16, 2012

November 16, 2012

David and family, although it sounds as if your father had a full and happy life, it is never easy to lose a parent. May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time. Blessings, Ruth (Hargis) Maus

Hal Van Slyck

November 16, 2012

I was privileged to get to know Joel Reibstein when he owned Northside Family Prescription Center. Although he was always busy and taking charge of everything and everybody, every minute of the day, he always had time to smile and visit with me when I came to call on him. Topeka needs many more souls like Joel Reibstein in its midst. Peace, happiness, wellness and safety for now and evermore, Joel Reibstein and family. Shalom.

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