William Reicks

Master Chief Gunners Mate William (Bill) R. Reicks, 63, of Bremerton WA, formerly of Cresco, IA, died at home Aug 21, 2016. He was born June 14, 1953, in Cresco, IA the son of Denis D. and Katy (Christianson) Reicks. He graduated from Crestwood High School in 1971.  Following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he spent over 32 years serving his country. He retired in 2003 after a very distinguished career, upon which he reached the rank of Master Chief Gunners Mate.  

He grew up on the farm and loved to listen to his father’s stories about the Navy. After graduation he left in July of 1971 to attend boot camp at Recruit Training Command in San Diego. He has served with distinction in a variety of tasks and locations. His sea commands include the USS Dennis J. Buckley (DD-808), USS Peoria (LST-1183) and USS REASONER (FF-1063), all located in San Diego. He also served on the USS Nimitz (CVN-68), USS Camden (AOE-2) and USS Rainier (AOE-7), all located in Bremerton, WA. He also served short tours on various ships, located at Newport, RI; Norfolk, VA; Long Beach, CA; and Cuba, providing training to sailors. His shore tours were instructor duties at Great Lakes, IL; Bangor, WA; and Everett, WA. He attended various technical schools over his career and is a 1995 graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy in Newport. After retiring he went on to work at Naval Magazine Indian Island, thus doing his best to support the war effort from home.

His awards include the Navy Meritorious Medal,  (3) Navy Commendation Medals, Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, (4) Navy Meritorious Unit Commendations, Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, (5)  Battle “E” proficiency awards, (6) Good Conduct Medals, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, (3) National Defense Medals, (4) Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, (3) Vietnam Service Medals, (2) Southwest Asia Service Awards, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, (5) Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert Rifle Medal and Expert Pistol Medal. He also qualified as a Master Training Specialist and an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist.   Bill was the only Naval officer to have earned medals from every conflict in which the US has participated from Vietnam until May 30, 2007.  Once in an interview he was asked, what is the one thing that sticks out from such a career? His response was simple. “Its’s the people. We came from different cultures, different educational levels, different values, and we formed a team with one goal in mind. Defend our country. All other things are petty from that standpoint. We must depend on each other to survive.”   

In 1985 he married Sandy Heyer in Waukegan, IL. Together with their combined families they had seven children and eight grandchildren. He was very proud of all of his children and their many accomplishments. He was thrilled with being a grandfather and took great joy in being with his grandchildren and children who he truly loved.

He is survived by his children; Stacy (Shane) Kreuscher of Zion, IL; Chris Reicks and Patty Tascher of Fox Lake, IL; Jamie Reicks and Tom Berkery  of Zion, IL;  Jessica Reicks of Zion, IL; Scott (Christie) Edgar of Seattle, WA; Courtney (Dave) Scott of Bremerton, WA; and Matthew (Kassey) Reicks of Seattle, WA; eight grandchildren, his father Denis D. Reicks of Cresco, his siblings, Sandy (Bernie) Matthews of New Hampton,  Pat Ahern of Cresco, Barb (Dave Schmauss) of Eagle Grove, Dave Reicks and Faye Kozelka of Decorah, Lori (Dave) Goodell of Williamsburg, Al (Deb) Reicks of Kendalville, Dean (Donna) Reicks of Cresco, sister in law Sharon Reicks and Bob Cox of New Hampton and many nieces, nephews,  great nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sandy Reicks in 2006, his son John killed in Afghanistan in 2008, his mother Katy Reicks in 2009, his brother Mike Reicks in 1993, brother in-law Mark Ahern in 2014, Maternal grandparents Alvin and Ilene Christianson and Paternal grandparents Ray and Mary Reicks.

 Memorial Services for Bill will be held October 1, 2016 at the VFW Hall in Cresco, IA. Visitation will be from 1:00-4:00 P.M.  Memorials may be sent to Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home 404 N Elm Street Cresco, IA 52136.

  Online condolences may be sent to Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home at www.hindthudekfuneralhomes.com.

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