Joseph Vladimir Reichert

1927 - 2010

Oct. 22, 1927 - Oct. 16, 2010 Joseph Reichert, devoted husband and beloved stepfather, died in Camarillo at the age of 82 as he was showered with love and prayers.

Joseph was born in the Czech Republic in 1927. He survived as his country was occupied by Nazi Germany and then liberated by the Allied Forces, only to witness a Communist coup in 1948 force his country to become a powerless satellite of the Soviet Union.

Joseph courageously escaped through the Iron Curtain to find freedom. He became a refugee and found that his talent for learning languages (five) helped him to find employment in West Germany and subsequently Australia while waiting for his application to come to America to be approved. He came to Southern California, where he laid down roots and found employment as a bus driver.

He also met and married his wife of 41 years, Jane Reichert, and graciously accepted and supported her daughter, Karen Schatz, as if she was his own. Together they vacationed by roaming across the American Southwest in their little blue camper. Joe and Jane flew to Europe to visit family and friends and showed each other the countries in which they lived as refugees. After retirement, they continued to travel and took their grandson, John Schatz, along with them on a few trips. Eventually they set foot in most of the continents.

Joe modeled an exemplary character. He was good-natured, down to earth, and always pleasant. He was a gift to our family, and gave us many happy memories. Unfortunately, Alzheimers disease began its evil work, and he started a long downhill descent, terminating in death.

But death does not have the final victory. He is now healthy and whole in Gods care. And we are heartened knowing that we will be reunited with him again in Heaven.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Reichert; daughter, Karen Schatz; son-in-law, Jan Schatz; and grandson, John Schatz.

Donations in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to: Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. Arrangements are under the direction of Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, Crematory & Memorial Park, 2052 Howard Rd., Camarillo, CA 93012, 805-482-1959.