KIMBERLY REICHEL

Kimberly Dawn (O’Claire) Reichel peacefully passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, in the comfort of her husband’s loving arms at their home. She was 63 years old.

Kim was born on December 17, 1961, at University Hospital in Minneapolis, a beloved daughter of Kenneth and Velma (Ritchie) O’Claire. As the fourth of seven children. Kim attended school in Braham, where she graduated in 1981, and went on to pursue a degree in Commercial Baking at Anoka Technical College.

Throughout her life, Kim held various positions, including working in the deli at Erickson Grocery Store in Cambridge, Reichel’s in Isanti, and Coborn’s in Willmar. Despite facing health challenges, she demonstrated remarkable resilience and held several housekeeping jobs.

In 1988, Kim met Duane when he hired her to work in the deli department at Reichel’s. They forged a strong bond and, in 1994, moved to Spicer. They celebrated their love with a heartfelt wedding on September 14, 1996. Their wedding took place at Kettle Falls in Voyageurs National Park, was made even more special as a Justice of the Peace traveled 20 miles by boat to officiate. Surrounded by their best friends, Jon and Kris Stull, were their witnesses. To commemorate their union, Duane surprised Kim with a memorable four-day houseboat rental. They continued making memories at their home on Nest Lake in Spicer, Minnesota.

Kim became seriously ill in December 2003 when a virus attacked her liver, requiring a full liver transplant, which she received on January 17, 2004. The illness also resulted in a traumatic brain injury that left her with aphasia. However, through determination and strength, Kim devoted herself to months of therapy, working tirelessly to regain her independence and manage her household. Her spirit as a go-getter never wavered. Duane’s job led them to move to Park Rapids, where they lived until his retirement in 2021. Over the years, they spent their winters vacationing in Florida, which Kim loved so much that they ultimately decided to move there in 2021.

Kim found immense joy in entertaining family and friends at her lake home. She cherished simple pleasures like barbecuing, cooking, baking, and swimming. Kim took pleasure in growing flowers and watching various birds, especially hummingbirds, which she lovingly referred to as "hummers." Music was a cherished part of her life. Kim loved to dance and was particularly fond of Bob Seger’s songs. One of her childhood memories was taking her little sister, LuRinda, to the county demolition derbies.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Jessica Vorel, brother Mark O’Claire, great niece Alivia Hasser, brother-in-law Loren Reichel, and sisters-in-law Elizabeth Reichel and Sandra Reichel.

Kimberly is survived by her loving husband, Duane; sons Brandon (Cindy) Reichel and Joshua Reichel; brother Andrew O’Claire; sisters Anntonette (Henry) Hasser, Dawn (William) Johnson, Stacy (Darold) Lindman, and LuRinda (Steve) Johnson; sisters-in-law Linda (Shannon) Stepp and Lois (Herman) Oestreich; brother-in-law Daniel (Bonnie White) Reichel; grandchildren Kaitlyn Reichel, Joseph Reichel, and Riley Kram; and many nieces and nephews; and special friends Jon (Kris) Stull.

Though her journey was filled with challenges, Kim’s legacy of love, resilience, and joy will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.

A Gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025,
at the Grandy Community Center and Pavilion from 12 (noon) – 3 PM.
This event will also honor Kim’s daughter, Jessica Vorel, who passed away in March 2025.

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