Carolyn Reichelt

The Mass of Christian Burial for Carolyn Reichelt, of Duluth and formerly of Wadena, will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m on Tuesday, November 28, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena, with Father Gabriel Walz as celebrant. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Wadena, MN. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday beginning at noon, rosary will be said at 12:30p.m. and visitation will continue until the time of the Mass. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Schuller Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services iinvites you to view the Carolyn Reichelt Funeral Mass. Go to our Facebook page by searching Schuller Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services. ~~~~~~~~~~ Carolyn Reichelt, born to William John and Nettie Elizabeth Ries on April 9, 1931 in Mankato, MN, died peacefully at Westwood Terrace on November 18, 2023 in Duluth, MN. She was 92 years old. Carolyn grew up in Madison Lake, MN and graduated from Mankato High School in 1949. She attended Mankato State College for 3 years, then transferred to the University of Minnesota where she completed her B.A. in chemistry and psychology in 1954. While spending 1 year in medical school, she met her future husband Leland G. Reichelt while examining a cadaver. Lee and Carolyn married on June 12, 1954 at All Saints Church in Madison Lake. They lived in Minneapolis and Duluth, eventually making Wadena, MN their home. They vacationed at homes in Walker and Cass Lake, MN, and Mesa, AZ. They had two wonderful sons, Leland Jr. (Gordie) and William Reichelt. Mrs. Reichelt worked variously as a Medical Technologist at the University of Minnesota, Histological Technician at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, Research Associate at the Neuropsychiatric Institute in Fargo, Clinical Instructor at the University of North Dakota Medical School in Grand Forks, and Clinic Administrator for Reichelt Eye Care in Wadena. She made a number of professional presentations and published a variety of articles in professional publications related to her work at UND’s Medical School. Carolyn enjoyed many volunteer activities in Wadena and beyond, especially the GERIAT Project, which brought junior high students into Shady Lane Nursing Home to visit residents. However, her deepest and lifelong interest was public libraries. Her mother introduced her to the wonderful world of libraries at 7 years old (already an avid reader). Carolyn realized early on that libraries could provide children with a marvelous learning base on which to build their lives. She worked diligently to provide these services to children in Wadena, the region, and the state. She took particular pride in the efforts to rebuild the Wadena Library after a damaging fire. Mrs. Reichelt received the 1985 Wadena Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award and the Minnesota Library Association Certificate of Merit. She enjoyed reading, playing piano, growing orchids, knitting, needlepoint, Bridge Club, and visiting family and friends. Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents William and Nettie Ries, beloved husband of 60 years Dr. Leland Reichelt, eldest son Leland Gordon Jr., and brother William Ries. She is survived by her loving son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Jamie Reichelt, along with dear nieces and nephews. Heartfelt gratitude goes to Westwood Terrace staff for their exceptionally compassionate care. Memorials will be compiled and distributed between the Wadena Public Library and Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center per Carolyn’s wishes.

Carolyn Reichelt

April 9, 1931 - November 18, 2023