Gene Paul Reichert, 67, Billings, MT, died Sunday, September 2, 2007, near his home due to an ATV accident.

Gene was born July 1, 1940, in New Underwood, SD. He attended first grade at the Doyle School located near Hereford, SD. Due to the distance from his home, at the age of six he spent his first year of school boarded 12 miles from home during the school week. The next seven years, he attended the Reichert School which was relocated several times over the years. He attended high school in Sturgis, SD, where he was involved in 4-H and Future Farmers of America, and graduated in 1958.

Following high school, he volunteered for the draft and joined the United States Army, where he served in Germany. During this time, he made many of his life long friends. Gene was very proud of his service to his country.

In 1963, he married Joan Tines and from this union two children were born, a daughter, DeLynn and a son, Monte. During the next several years he farmed, ranched, and did various agricultural custom ventures including hay moving. In 1974, the family moved to Union Center, SD. From 1974 to 1980, he built and operated Central Feeds, the first custom feed mill in Central Meade County.

During the 1970's, he acquired his pilot's license and purchased a 1949 Aeronca Sedan. The first hours on this classic aircraft were flown during the blizzard of 1949. Gene enjoyed many hours flying his plane hunting coyotes and fox.

In 1980, Gene moved to Billings, MT, where he married Mona Vig, to whom he was married from 1981 to 2005. They started Gene Reichert Trucking, which they operated for nine years. Through the years, Gene was involved in many trucking endeavors. He was ahead of his time in the trucking industry in safety and fuel efficiency programs. His motto of "Lead, follow, or get out of the way" was impressed on many over the years. The past nine years, Gene was leased to Industrial Transfer and Storage Company of Great Falls, MT. Gene put on well over a million miles with this company and earned numerous awards for safe driving.
In the 1990's, Gene earned his US Coast Guard Captains License, and for several years conducted tours on the Big Horn Lake. He was an active member of Continental Owner Operated, LTD (COOL) and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). Gene loved adventures in hunting, horseback riding, boating, and 4-wheeling. Gene enjoyed gardening and his beautiful flowers and productive vegetable garden attested to his green thumb. He was a member of the NRA, New Underwood American Legion, and South Dakota Saddle Tramp Association.

Gene not only loved his children and grandchildren but always had a special place in his heart for other children that entered his life. There are many great adventures with family and friends which will be remembered fondly by everyone.

Survivors include one daughter, DeLynn Reichert Willis, New Underwood; one son, Monte (Loni) Reichert, New Underwood; grandchildren, Jesse and Sadie Willis and Marissa, Lacey and Radley Reichert; one sister, Judy (Wayne) Bundorf, Henderson, NV; and his best friend and canine side kick, Jack.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Mildred Reichert, and close friend and mentor, Walter Sipes.

Services will be held on Monday, September 10, 2007, at the First Presbyterian Church located in Sturgis, SD, with Rev. Denzel Nonhof and Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating.. Burial with full military honors will follow at the National Cemetery.

A memorial service will also be held in Billings, MT, on Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Eagles Lodge.