Lifelong Bluffton resident, Edward James Reichenbach, a man whose passionate love for his family was exceeded only by his love of Jesus, passed away in his sleep on February 7, 2025 at the age of 88. 

Edward was born August 16, 1936 in Bluffton to Ralph and Evelyn Reichenbach. As a family, we like to say that not too long after his birth, Ed held his first job. No one out-worked Edward Reichenbach. From lawn mowing at age 10, caring for horses, sweeping floors downtown, painting and later driving a school bus, milk delivery and coaching football, to name just a few of his jobs, he paid his way through Bluffton College where he became the first in his family to graduate (with a degree in Education). He worked and studied while all the time playing on the football team as well. Ed taught middle school in Lima before accepting the challenge to be the first State Farm insurance agent in Bluffton. A testimony to Ed's work ethic is that State Farm has the "President's Club," an annual award given to the top 50 Agents in the entire United States. Edward qualified for President's Club in the tiny community of Bluffton, outperforming agents in cities such as New York and Chicago. 

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Ed met his first love in Bluffton and would eventually marry Shirley Miller. Their marriage produced three children, Audre', Matthew and Michael. Nothing on this earth was more important to Ed than to create a loving and peaceful home environment; one that glorified Jesus and welcomed His peaceful presence. 

Ed and Shirley discovered the serenity of Lake James, Indiana and over the years, together they rebuilt an old fishing shack into a beautiful family retreat. Ed's favorite earthly activity was his view from the deck, overlooking the lake, with his family around him. As a child, Ed had a dream to one day sail boats. Lake James provided him the perfect location to do just that. Without ever taking a lesson, Ed taught himself to become an accomplished sailor. 

Another passion of Ed’s was karate. He was extremely proud of his sons Matthew and Michael,
who joined Ed in together earning their black belts and becoming Sensei(s) of the Cobra Karate
Club in Bluffton. Ed was also known to settle a discussion with a good-natured “Let’s arm
wrestle for it.”

Daughter Audre' likes to say that every moment of her life she knew that her dad had her back. Son in law Marty reflects, "I grew up without a father; but then, in marriage, God gave me the best father in law." 

As passionate as Ed was in all of the above, his life was totally consumed with one driving desire: for his life and words to glorify Jesus. Ed was steadfast in his Christian walk and was a disciple of God's Word. He felt his calling was that of intercessory prayer. A thankless and lonely pursuit known only between Ed and Jesus. Ed would have legal pads of names, all with various notes and highlighted with different color markers, and would daily, DAILY, call out those names in prayer to Jesus. If Ed knew your name, chances are that you were on one of his many legal pads and he was calling out your name to Jesus, our Intercessor, who sits at the right hand of the Father, ever, EVER making intercession for us. The story of Ed's life would be remiss without these truths: Ed LOVED Jesus and stood against racism in any form. Ed was a champion for children both born and unborn. 

Edward was kind to all, never met a stranger. He loved his family deeply and they returned the same deep love to him. Ed was known to always sign letters and notes to his family with the word "Agape" (pronounced a-ga-pay) which is considered the highest form of love, i.e. God's love for us. He was fond of saying that any family function could only have been better if anyone who was missing could have been there. 

Edward is survived by his daughter, Audre' Vugrinac (Marty). Son Matthew Reichenbach (Amber), son Michael Reichenbach (Charisse), his grandchildren Jacob Vugrinac (Stephanie), Jasmine Vugrinac, Olivia Reichenbach, Isaiah Reichenbach, great grandchildren Abigail and Audriana Vugrinac, his sister Mary and brother Doug (Patricia). Ed was preceded in death by first wife Shirley, second wife Nancy, brother Ralph and sister Sally. 

While our family will miss Edward beyond words, we are delighted for him to be in the presence of Jesus and to experience life in the heaven he studied so much about and to be reunited with loved ones who passed previously. In honor of and respect to Ed-Dad-Papa, we will try our best to be kind and compassionate to others and to never pass up the chance to have a Perrier on the deck, while all the time remembering timeless Ed-isms such as, "It can't fall up." 

According to Ed's wishes, there will not be a formal public service. 

Edward, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Agape.