John Reichert

John Alford Reichert, 81, better known as the Paper Airplane Man, of Traverse City, died Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions. He was born on Dec. 17, 1935 in Columbus, Ohio, the son of James John and Edna (Davis) Reichert.

John was a carpenter and owned his own carpentry and welding businesses in Columbus, Ohio.

John and Zelma moved to Traverse City in the 1970s and owned the Reichert Steamer Carpet Cleaner. John later owned the printing company, Business to Business.

John was previously a trustee for East Bay Township. He attended LifePointe Bible Church.

John loved to have breakfast at Sparky’s Diner and the Big Apple Bagels. John was well known for making paper airplanes and throwing them at the children and adults too. He loved making a ruckus with his paper airplanes. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

John is survived by his wife, Zelma (Gilkerson) Reichert; they were married on Aug. 25, 1972; son, Doug Reichert; grandchildren, Melinda (Jay) Reichert-Piatt and Mark (Amanda) Reichert; and great-grandchildren, Cash Piatt and Reed Reichert.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Reichert; stepson, Jerry Campbell and brother, Jim Reichert.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Grand Traverse Pavilions and Hospice of Michigan for the great care they gave John and the family.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017 at LifePointe Bible Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to his wife, Zelma Reichert, to help with expenses.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guestbook and share your thoughts and memories with the family.