Lorene C. Reich

Lorene C. Reich (nee Gettel),  age 92,  of Unionville, and Clinton Township, went to her heavenly home on July 1, 2022  at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township, MI.

She was born in Sebewaing in 1930 to Albert and Amanda (Binder) Gettel.  Lorene was the twin of Loren, and the eighth of thirteen children. As a young girl, her family was quarantined due to scarlet fever, and the family survived a devastating house fire. Lorene learned at an early age how to overcome obstacles and adversity, molding her into the strong and resilient lady we knew and loved.  She attended Owendale High School until age 16 when she was expected to work on the farm.  Through her many jobs and life experiences she received the equivalent of multiple degrees. Lorene left the farm at age 18 to become a housekeeper in Bay City, was a seamstress at the Sugar Factory in Sebewaing, a certified EMT with the ACW ambulance, a  lifelong caregiver to her son Randy, and devoted farm wife.

Lorene was a faithful member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Bach and an active member of the Ladies Aid and Women's Missionary League.  She was also proud to be a founding member of Tuscola County ARC.  Her warm and kind-hearted personality attracted people to her, and when they'd visit the farm, there was always a pot of coffee ready. More times than not, there was a freshly baked pan of bars or warm bread to go with it. She also had a huge green thumb when it came to growing a vegetable garden.

Lorene was married to Delbert Menzel on February 14, 1950.  After this marriage was tragically cut short in 1955, she married Robert Reich on November 8, 1956.  He preceded her in death in 2007.

Lorene will be greatly missed by her children: Kay Reich (Charles Kernkamp) of St. Paul, MN, Sue (Gary) Bott of Shelby Township, MI, Jill (Steve) Munger, and William (Lynette) Reich, both of Chesterfield Township, MI, her seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her sisters Dorothy Dowe of Vassar and Carol Ann Mathis of Florida, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death are her first husband, Delbert Menezel; her second husband, Robert Reich; sons Randy and Rickey Menzel; brothers: Vern, Omar, Merlin (Bob), Arnold, Loren, Ivan and  Burton (Butch); sisters: Aldine Sbresny, Luella Gettel, and Lucille Fuerst.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at Juengel-Mellendorf Funeral Home in Sebewaing from 2-8pm.

The funeral service will be Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Bach. Visitation will begin at the church at 10am until the time of service at 11am. Pastor Thom Garrison will be officiating.

Burial will be private at the Unionville Moravian Cemetery, with a meal to follow at the Moravian Church.

Memorial donations may be given to ACW Ambulance, St. Peter's Lutheran Church (Bach) or Area 10 Special Olympics.