Michael Gene, Reecht, 76, of Overland Park, Kan., formerly of Crystal City, died Dec. 17, 2022. Mr. Reecht graduated from St Pius X High School where he played basketball, baseball and football, was a member of the National Honor Society, was Student Council president and earned Eagle Scout rank. He studied business at Rockhurst College in Kansas City before earning his MBA from the University of Michigan. He worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone and moved to AT&T to be the Director of Government Affairs for the state of Kansas. After retiring from corporate work, he went into contract lobbying with the Kansas legislature. After retirement, he worked at Hy-Vee and enjoyed yardwork, golfing, fishing, playing cards, attending his granddaughters’ sporting events, cheering on the Royals and Chiefs, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Born Feb. 5, 1946, in Crystal City, he was the son of the late Raymond and Irene (Dallas) Reecht.
He is survived by his wife: Suzi Reecht; a son: Chris (Jenni) Reecht of Overland Park, Kan.; a daughter: Carrie (Will) Votypka of Overland Park; four granddaughters: Ashley, Ellie, Maggie and Charlotte; a brother: Ken (Sherry) Reecht of St. Louis; and many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by many family members and friends.
A funeral service was held Dec. 29 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish in Leawood, Kan. Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities of Kansas City or to St. Pius X High School in Festus. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson County Chapel in Overland Park, Kan.