John Reischl

John Reischl, 65, passed away unexpectedly on December 18, 2024 at MercyOne Medical Center with his daughters by his side.

John, a beloved son, father, and grandfather was born on September 20, 1959 in Des Moines, Iowa to Ernest and Mary (Rizzuti) Reischl.

John, who lived in Des Moines for most of his life, graduated from Lincoln High School and received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Mount Mercy University. For much of his life, John was a dedicated Public Safety Officer for MercyOne Medical Center where he worked for over 35 years. He was a devout member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church where he frequently attended mass and gave tithes as well as weekly offerings to the parish. As a dedicated father, he regularly traveled to see his daughters. He was a remarkably hard worker and spent his time helping other people, such as by mowing lawns, shoveling driveways, and giving away delicious homemade food.

John enjoyed spending time with his daughters, watching football, exercising, attending races at the Iowa Speedway, and listening to Iowa Catholic Radio. He loved taking his daughters and granddaughters to Adventureland every summer, and he especially loved riding the roller coasters well into his older years.

John was tremendously proud of his Italian heritage, and this was a common topic of discussion. He loved making his family’s famous spaghetti and sharing it with friends and family. He was fond of reminiscing about his high school and college days when reuniting with old friends.

A very sacred aspect of his life was starting every day by praying the 4am Rosary with Mother Angelica. He gave to charities such as St. Jude’s Childrens’ Hospital despite his well-known frugal nature, illustrating his devotion to giving to those in need. John will be deeply missed.

John is survived by his daughters, Miché Miller, Ryan and Rose Reischl; granddaughters, Coral and Emry Klein; and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road on Friday, January 17th at 10:30 am. A visitation will take place on Thursday, January 16th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street.

Memorial contributions may be directed to John’s daughters in his loving memory.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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