John Reichert, 74, loves Christmas but there’s one thing he loves more: his wife of 53 years, Joan. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s four years ago, and since then, the Marine veteran has made it his mission to relive his memories.
“If it wasn’t for my wife, I don’t know what I would have done,” Reichert said. “But she wanted Christmas, so I’ll give it to her. I’ll do anything to make her happy.”
Now he has a lot of extra hands on the project, helping with lighting, decorations and more. A steady stream of fans are also arriving to witness the holiday cheer.
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“I think the whole neighborhood feels very lucky to have him in this neighborhood,” said one neighbor.
“It’s moving,” added an onlooker. “That’s what Christmas is all about.”
Reichert said he can no longer see himself bucking the tradition.
“As long as he’s okay,” she said. “And even if she passes, I’ll do it in her memory as long as I can.”
Joan said she loves the holiday spirit her husband has brought to the neighborhood.
“I didn’t know what to think,” John said. “But I’m glad he did. I love him.”
To thank Reichart and celebrate John, his neighbors have set up a PO Box to receive Christmas cards. He would give the cards to Reichert to read to his wife.
CBS News is inviting viewers to send cards. To send a card to Reicharts, address it to this PO Box:
John Reichert
C/O Frank Ewurs
PO Box 133
Indianola, Iowa, 50125