Denise Reichert
July 30, 1949 ~ September 21, 2021
Denise M. (Bartusik) Reichert, age 72, beloved wife of Charles H. "Chuck" Reichert for over 49 years, and mother of Shannon (Rob) Alfrey, passed away on September 21, 2021, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Denise was born in Detroit Michigan on July 30, 1949, the daughter of the late Casimir and Doris Bartusik, and was the daughter-in-law of the late Jacob "Jack' and Verna Reichert.
She was the sister of David (Maryanne) Bartusik and her late sister Diane Bartusik. She was the sister-in-law of Thomas Reichert, Dale (Lynn) Reichert and the late Arthur Reichert.
Denise was the proud Master and Agility Handler to her Shetland Sheepdogs, Aimee, Adam and Ellie; and will be met at the Rainbow Bridge by Pandy, Misty, Joey and Danny.
Although Denise was born and lived in the Detroit area, with Chuck's blossoming career, they moved to various states, ending up in Cedar Rapids. Denise was artistically talented, doing watercolors and mastering the classical and electric guitar. Her proudest accomplishment was training and competing with her shelties in agility, earning a Masters for Joey, and a High In Trial in Obedience.
Memorials are suggested to the American Shetland Sheepdog Association (ASSA) at link
https://www.americanshetlandsheepdogassociation.org/assa-foundation/
A tribute to her life will be at a later date. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
Mom, I love and miss you more than you will ever know. Here are just a few of MANY captured moments from your life through the years. I hope you know peace for eternity.- Love, Shannon
I could post a thousand pictures but they will never come close to my memory and love for you. Chuck
Dear Chuck and Family: Denise has been a dear “Sheltie friend” of mine since I got my first Sheltie over 12 years ago. I first met Denise at a pet fair about 11 years ago where we were doing an agility demonstration. She had Adam, who was still a puppy, but going through foundation training for agility. Over the years Denise became a dear friend of mine with our shared love of Shelties and agility. We attended agility trials together; cheering each other on when a run was clean, and giving comfort when they weren’t. She and I would compare strategies when walking an agility course. Denise loved my Sheltie, Mojo, and the two had a special connection. Mojo’s face would light up when Denise would come into the training building on Tuesday nights with Adam. Dogs are flawless judges of character. Mojo’s response to Denise spoke volumes about the type of person she was. She had such a special bond with her dogs and with Shelties in particular. I will miss Denise terribly. I hope that you will find comfort in her memory during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Linda Hall and Mojo
I’m very saddened to hear of Denise’s passing. I always enjoyed her sense of humor and admired her dedication to her dog’s agility careers. She will be greatly missed. Thinking of her family and her pups. I know they all loved her dearly.
She was “Da Niece, not Da Nephew” – her joke, not mine, that we shared over 25 years of friendship. We met in “the basement” where Northwest Obedience Club trained, when she showed up with her young sheltie, Joey, who gave her so many great memories and accomplishments. Over the years, together, we learned so many things about our dogs and ourselves, and because of our dogs we shared a great friendship and lifetime (that was cut too short) of memories. Since we were both “wise asses” and commented (only to each other) on various things and people in our life and the world, we would say “we are going to Hell in a hand basket”; we even tried to find the meaning of “hand basket” to no avail! I am sure, my dear friend, you went to a better place in a “hand basket” and you are running, on a daily basis, Mach Runs with Joey and even Danny! No bars down! I am already missing our weekly calls, I cannot believe you are gone – there is a hole in my heart. Charisse
Mommy we miss you! Joey, Danny, Aimee, Adam, Eillie
Denise came to me as one of my Agility students many years ago with her then “senior” dog Joey, and her younger boy Danny. We quickly became steadfast friends. We shared many good stories, memories, and even some heartaches. Over the years I was fortunate to have have been part of her journey with all her other dogs. Her relationship with each and every one of her dogs was always special. She always believed in them and was able to adjust to what each one needed from her as their partner. Denise was always ready to lend a helping hand in class. She was very supportive of the other students, and offering words of encouragement. Tuesday night classes will NEVER be the same without her. A huge hole, an empty chair, no encouraging words. She will be missed. My heart is breaking. But, knowing Denise she would tell us all to CELEBRATE her life. She would often say when she was trying a new and challenging handling move with one of her dogs, “put your big girl panties on”. I’m sure that’s what she’s telling us now. Unknowingly, this photo of a rainbow was taken approximately 20 after her passing. I have to believe it was from her. Tell us she’s in a better place, young again, pain free, and running her beloved Joey.
20 minutes is the amount of time I stayed by her side after she passed and said my final goodbyes. I believe that was her
Denise is my mother in law. When my wife introduced me to her, I was introduced by her “judiciary welcoming committee.” Yup I was put to the sheltie test. After a good scrutinizing by Aimee, Joey and Danny, I passed. So much I will miss. She made me a galliano cake every birthday that made you forget all other cakes and chicken enchiladas to make you forget all restaurants. Most of all I will miss our lengthy conversations. Denise was a damn smart women who could keep up with me intellectually, over a wide range of subjects. And I will miss making you laugh Denise. Your laugh parted the clouds of any storm, or derecho. I, WE, grieve your absence sorely, but you will never be far from us. We will be comforted by six rays of every rainbow that is a sheltie you will be running agility with, by that old bridge where pups and their owners live on forever. The seventh and final ray is you.
Like Charisse, I met Denise at NW dog training. Another Sheltie person! woohoo! I so admired her dedication to wonderful heeling with Joey, It paid off. And her bringing out her older girl Misty to trial. We talked like teens on the phone, for hours, from then to now. Went to the locally held Sheltie National every day it was held. There we first saw agility. We thought, “piece of cake” LOL!! Trialing outside in all weather. Both her Joey & my Lacey were wonderful dogs, to quote us together, “they deserved better handlers!”. Though no one could have loved them more. Which she proved with every dog she owned, doing her absolute best with their care. It was sad & hard when Denise & Chuck moved away. Communication could get a bit irratic but we always got back to each other. After all, no one knew better than us that Shelties are perfect! I visited Iowa twice in 17 years. 10 years ago to meet Adam and this spring for Denise to meet my Imp & to greet Ellie. She was so proud of her new girl! I meant to return this fall but time ran out. I can’t say how many times this last week, “Oh, I have to tell Denise”, or ask her about something. I miss my Sheltie buddy more than I can say.
Sending condolences to you all. Have memories of Denise, Joey and Danny doing agility when we were in Fort Wayne at the Obedience Club.