Helen Gayle Reichart

REICHART, BREEN

Posted By: Tara (email)
Date: 4/27/2011 at 13:12:18

Helen Gayle Reichart, 91, passed away quietly on April 21, 2011 at Atrium Village in Hills, IA.
Helen was born on June 25, 1919 in Monticello, IA, the daughter of Leonard and Lenora (Breen) Reichart. She graduated high school from Sacred Heart School in Monticello. Helen later attended the State University of Iowa graduating with a BS degree in Commerce in 1941. In January of 1943, Helen joined the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), receiving officers’ training at Ft. Des Moines. She was later transferred to the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO for further training. From there, Helen spent some time performing office work at the radio training school in Tucson, AZ. She applied for an overseas assignment and was sent to Hollandia, New Guinea and Manila, Philippines where she spent the remaining years of WWII as a part of General MacArthur’s staff.
Helen was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant on November 26, 1945. She returned to Iowa, again attending the State University of Iowa and received a certificate in physical therapy in 1953.
Helen practiced physical therapy at UIHC for many years, including those during the polio epidemic through 1960. She also worked for her dear friend, Duane Chase, in his private practice in Dubuque, IA, and at the Senior Home in Monticello, IA.
Helen returned to Iowa City in 1993. She was an active volunteer at Mercy Hospital and the Senior Center in Iowa City for many years. Helen was a lifelong Democrat and was active in state and local politics for many years.
At her request, Helen will be cremated and buried in the family plot at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Monticello, IA.
Her parents and her brother, Loren, preceded Helen in death.
The wonderful care Helen received from the staff at Atrium Village, Iowa City Hospice and Dr. Gwen Beck has been greatly appreciated.