David L. Reichling

David Lee Reichling, age 92, of Darlington, WI passed away Sunday, September 22, 2024, at his home in Darlington, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. David was born October 17, 1931, in Darlington, the son of Joseph and Opal (Nelson) Reichling. He grew up in Willow Springs Township in Lafayette County, WI, alongside his brother Rich and his sisters Joann and Mary Ellen. David lived in the Darlington area his entire life and graduated from Darlington High School in 1949. After high school, he completed the UW Short Course and returned back to the farm, a place that he dedicated his entire life to growing and functioning at it's highest level. David was united in marriage to Donna J. Nevels on January 17, 1954 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington. She predeceased him on September 29, 1986. He later married Joann Mandt on July 29, 1988, she predeceased him on April 10, 2013.
David is survived by his children: Sherry (Denny) Crist of Darlington, Sheila (Bob) Williams of Mt. Horeb, WI, Joe (Gina) Reichling of Mineral Point, WI, Tom (Kris) Reichling of Darlington, Patrick (Diane) Reichling of Mineral Point and Ed (Tammy) Reichling of Mineral Point; his step-children: Greg (Marklin) Mandt, Brian (Donna) Mandt, Karla (Greg) Hurd, Jody (Dave) Wyttenbach, Randy (Deborah) Mandt, and Teresa (Cory) McMahan; his grandchildren: Matthew (Cindy) Crist, Travis (Kim) Crist, Dee (Brent) Sandahl, Adam (Jora) Crist, Kurt (Tommie Loken) Crist, Tara (Josh) Ula, Eddie (Amie) Thompson, Mitchell (Karlie) Thompson, Shelley Thiel, Carey (Jeff) Schmid, Tami (Curtis) Graffin, Tina (Chris) Kilen, Ross (Lizzie) Williams; Missy (Chad) Emler, Lexie (Brandon) Buschor, Jenna (Reid) Gill, Whitney (Nate) Runde, McKenna Reichling, Ryan Reichling, Cash (Angie) Reichling, Hilary (George) Demos and Colby (Cassie) Reichling; a grandson-in-law: Adam Droessler; 18 step-grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter and son-in-law: Theresa and Lane Thompson; two grandchildren: Myles Reichling and Erica Droessler; a daughter-in-law: Jennifer Reichling; and his siblings: Richard (Patsy) Reichling, Joann Macias, and Mary Ellen Reichling.
David was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington and was the on the board of directors for PCA for many years. David's love for farming was passed down from his own father and was a love he shared with his brother Rich. Because of that, he and his brother formed an unbreakable bond and partnership that formed as they grew up on the farm and remained steady until Rich's passing. The legacy still continues to this day through their own sons.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet St., Darlington) with Fr. Thomas Coyle officiating. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery in Darlington. A visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. until the time of services at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
A memorial fund has been established in David's name.