Merlin Reichert, 66, Loved the Outdoors

Merlin was born September 19, 1946 in Ypsilanti, Michigan; his mother Minnie built bombers like Rosie the Riveter for the war in which his father, James, earned awards in the battles of Attu and Kwajalein. Merlin is survived by his two beloved daughters: Jennifer Reichert, 37, of Alexandria, Virginia, and Rachel Ortega, 36, and granddaughter Ariana Ortega of Toledo, Ohio.

Starting in his youth, when he was active in the boy scouts, Merlin loved the outdoors. He spent many hours hunting with bow and arrow as well as with flintlock and modern weapons. A life member of the National Rifle Association, Merlin took pride in his marksman credentials. Merlin passed on his love of the outdoors as a Girl Scout leader and strongly advocated on behalf of his daughters.

After earning a B.A. in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan in 1974, Merlin, sometimes known as Lee, remained a lifelong Wolverines fan and avid supporter of the University of Michigan. In his later years, he arranged family football excursions to the Big House to cheer on the maize and blue.

Merlin served a long career in law enforcement, including with the Washtenaw County Sheriff, State of Ohio Corrections, and the Internal Revenue Service. After retiring, he remained an active online community member in regular correspondence with friends around the world.

A history buff, Merlin’s other hobbies included gardening (favorites included iris and hot peppers), model building, collecting coins, Indians baseball, and spending time with his golden retriever, Bubba. Merlin was married for 16 years to Christine E. Reichert, of Toledo, Ohio.

The family will hold a private gathering in his memory. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the University of Michigan Alumni Association General Fund.

Online condolences at www.boyercool.com.