Joseph "Joe" Allen Reichmuth

Of Tallahassee, FL (formerly 75 years in Washington State)

Passed away on Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2023

80 years old

Born August 25, 1942 in Tacoma, WA

Joe was born in Tacoma, WA, into the love of music. His grandfather, started the Reichmuth Swiss Family Orchestra, playing Swiss folk music on the radio and in dance halls. He was raised by his loving father Joe, Grandma Reichmuth, aunts and cousins. Joe’s father, a bartender working nights, was forced to place Joe in a boarding house at ages 9 to 15. Ruby sent Joe to the nearest church on Sunday mornings, which was Tacoma Nazarene. There, Joe was loved and grew in the Lord. He was sent to kids’ and teen camps where he committed his life to Christ. Joe was very outgoing and made life-long friends. In 1962 he met Kathy at that camp and more adventures began.

Joe graduated from Lincoln High School in Tacoma, WA in 1961. He was active as Senator, in Senior Choir, Voice for Christian Youth, City Wide Youth Council, Boys’ Club Rep. He ran track.

Joe completed two years at Northwest Nazarene University, Nampa, ID. He majored in Business, sang in ensembles and choir.

Joe bought his first car at age 15. It was very used and cost a few dollars. He spent the next 60 years fixing, restoring or detailing many custom/classic cars. His last count was 107. Joe enjoyed the camaraderie of car shows. He was an active member of the Midnight Riders, Puyallup WA, making many life-long friends.

In 1966 Joe was a Patrol Officer with the Vancouver WA Police Depart for a short time, till his 27-yr banking career began. He started as a commercial loan officer, then was transferred to branches across Washington State to work where his expertise was needed. He served as a Branch Manager, became a “trouble shooter,” and Executive Vice President. Joe made more life-long friends among his staff and customers.

Joe loved his Lord, singing His Praises and freely told of God’s Love. He sang solos, in Gospel trios & quartets, directed youth and adult choirs, led worship and taught Sunday School classes.

Joe loved the Pacific Northwest beaches, mountains and lakes. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, and team bowling (rolled a 200 game once in his life). He enjoyed playing softball and a fun game of football with friends or family. Joe loved playing cards and table games, with fervor.

Joe enjoyed traveling across the U.S. and Canada and touring Switzerland, Italy and Austria with family. He enjoyed his years in the California desert, wintering as a snowbird. Made special friends.

Joe is preceded in death by his father Joseph Reichmuth and mother Elsie Connelly.

Joe is survived by his wife Katherine (Kathy) Reichmuth, son Mark Reichmuth and wife Dawn; daughter JoLynn Petersen; grandsons Zachary Petersen, Cody Petersen and Seth Petersen; Aunt Arlene Bryant of Tacoma WA and special cousins. Having no siblings, Joe took on Kathy’s family, the Wellses, as his own. He loved his family very much.

Joe, the “Same Ole Mutt,” was a wonderful man, husband, Dad and Grampa, and is missed terribly.

The family would like to thank Avery McClenton, CNA/CMA, owner of Care About You, who was Joe’s caregiver in a memory care facility and then took care of Joe at home the past eight months. We appreciate Avery’s love, friendship and excellent care for Joe and providing relief for Kathy and the family.

We would also like to thank Covenant Care Home Care and Hospice, as well as Dr. Adam Joo and Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Hospice for walking this journey with us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Joseph Allen Reichmuth to the Alzheimer's Association.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life, Thursday, March 9th at 1pm EST at Calvary TLH, 8614 Mahan Dr, Tallahassee FL 32309.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/tallahassee-cremation for the Reichmuth family.