Benhart LaVerne Reichert

Benhart LaVerne Reichert was born on a balmy winters eve, February 12, 1939 in Watseka, IL to Henry S. (Hank) and Mildred L. (Mil) Reichert, whereupon his maternal grandfather, Andrew Aurbeck exclaimed “Why, he’s a little Boobus” and an abbreviated version of the name stuck ever since. The newly christened “Boob” began telling tales at an early age when he informed fellow elementary school students excitedly that his Father had shot a Fox, right off of their mailbox, that very morning. This culminated in an immediate meeting with the school marm who informed them, particularly Mr. Reichert, that he should immediately refrain from spouting such nonsense to their young, impressionable son. Benny grew up along the banks of the Iroquois river, frequently frolicking with his cousins who lived half a mile away on a neighboring homestead. He enjoyed school and participated in the many extracurricular activities offered, sports, plays and clubs. Upon graduation from St. Anne High School, he enlisted in the US Army, became a paratrooper and was stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY with the 101st Airborne Division. When queried about how many “jumps” he made, he’d grin and say 1 and indicate all the others were perhaps met with some resistance at which time he may or may not have been forcibly extricated from said plane. Upon successful completion of his stint in the Army, he returned to the family farm and began dating the vivacious nursing student, Florence Y. “Cookie” Fortin and they were married on April 28, 1962 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Beaverville. The young couple initially moved North, Benny driving a truck and working in construction while Cookie worked in the emergency room of a local hospital. They welcomed two children, James Edward in 1963 and Susan Ann in 1964. They decided to move closer to their respective families, so Benny purchased his Uncle Ted’s Locker Plant in Papineau, IL and Cookie began working in the Emergency Room of St. Mary’s Hospital. Hank decided to begin handing the reigns of the family farm over to Boob in 1974, so the meat processing business was sold to Skip Langellier. Early on, Cookie had been diagnosed with a debilitating disease and as it progressed, her life was unexpectedly shortened when she succumbed to it in 1985. Ben was unexpectedly blessed with a second chance at love when he met Frances A. “Itsy” Matthews and they were fortunate enough to share 40 exhilarating years together. Benny was very active in the community. He was a former township trustee, a former road commissioner, a volunteer fireman, a former school board member, card carrying member of the freemasons and American Legion, sold real estate, clerked estate sales, operated a bowling alley, opened the gym for the community at the High School. He enjoyed leisurely pursuits of Golf and Bowling. He was quick to lend his time, an ear or expertise in a variety of interests. Ben is survived by his steadfast companion, Itsy, their combined children: Jimmy, Bret (Susan), Susie, Darby (Susan) and Kristin (Joe). Grandchildren: Chelsea (Kourtney), Kailee, Brittany (Derek) , Paige (Tony), Evan (Jennifer), Alexi (Alan), Conner (Giana), Trevor and Noah. Great Grandchildren: Deegan, Abriella, Coraline, Roman, Ryatt and Penelope. Sibling: Shirley (Ron) Zeedyk. Ben was pre-deceased by his parents, spouse and grandson, Will. A memorial service and celebration of life will be conducted by Pastor Brent Salm on Monday, August 4th from 10:00 am to 2:30pm at Jensen Memorial Chapel, 3639 IL Route 17, Kankakee, IL, 60901. Interment immediately following at Kankakee Memorial Gardens, 15 Lowe Road, Kankakee, IL 60901. Link for Virtual participation: https://iu.zoom.us/j/8919918391?omn=86322282905 Contributions may be made to Uplifted Care Hospice: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1411477

Benhart LaVerne Reichert

February 12, 1939 - July 27, 2025