Donna Jean Reich, 89, of Herculaneum died June 18, 2022, at her home. Ms. Reich served in the U.S. Air Force and was a retired medical assistant for Dr. Duk J. Park. She also formerly worked at Gasen’s Drug Store in Festus. She was a member of the former Assumption Catholic Church in Herculaneum and a current member of Sacred Heart Church in Crystal City, a member of the VFW Post 3777 Auxiliary and the American Legion Post 253 Auxiliary. She was also a local volunteer organizer for Breast Cancer Awareness. Born April 19, 1933, in Baraboo, Wis., she was the daughter of the late Elnora (Neis) and Edward Erpenbach. She was preceded in death by her husband: William Joseph Reich.
She is survived by five sons: Robert (the late Kimberly Kay) Reich of Festus, Tom (Dawn) Reich of Houston, Texas, David (Rose) Reich of Kennesaw, Ga., Steve (Diana) Reich of Layton, Utah, and Mark (Steve) Reich of San Diego, Calif.; two daughters: Ellen (Terry) Boyer of Crystal City and Diane (the late Tye) Edwards of Festus; two foreign exchange students she considered as children: Wananan Phualek of New York City and Luckpong “Bass” Jantara of Thailand; a son-in-law: Don Nausley of Festus; a brother: David (Jenny) Erpenbach of Edgerton, Wis.; two sisters: Darlene Todd of Stevens Pointe, Wis., and Alice (Tom) McNara; a sister-in-law: Lee Erpenbach of Florida; 18 grandchildren: Danielle (Jason) Brewer, Donica (Bob) Wagner, Dara (AJ) Riney, Bobby (Brandi) Reich, Adrienne (Ryan) Jacquot, David (Jessica) Reich, Anthony (Julianca) Reich, Thomas (Leigh) Reich, Ashley Reich, Allison (Mike) DeTardo, Rachel (Nick) Grassia, Aaron (Shalie) Reich, Krysten (Ryan) Freund, Brittni (Alej Perez) Boyer, Army Sgt. 1st Class Tye (Kristy) Edwards, Michael (Brandy Mogus) Edwards, and Brooke (John “Chris”) Cage; 18 great-grandchildren: Alex (Ethan) Hampton, Karlie Usery, Hadyn Wagner, Paige Wagner, Jase Berry, Parker Jacquot, Quinn Jacquot, Jensen Jacquot, twins Mason and Paisley Reich, Easton Reich, Rhett Reich, John Samuel Reich, Evelyn Jane Reich and Renlee Freund, with two more on the way; and one great-great-grandchild: Hunter Kerbler, with another on the way.
She was preceded in death by a daughter: Denise Nausley; two brothers: Richard (the late Shirley) Erpenbach and Philip Erpenbach; a sister: Barbara Erpenbach; and a grandson: Ross Reich.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.