When John Reichart set out to adorn every house on his block with Christmas lights, it wasn’t just an act of holiday spirit—it was a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Joan, who battles Alzheimer’s.
Christmas has always held a special place for John and Joan Reichart, transforming from cherished tradition to an extraordinary display of love that warmed not just their hearts but also those of neighbors and strangers alike. Back in December 1970, John proposed to Joan on Christmas Eve in Indianola, Iowa, marking the beginning of a festive journey through life together. “Coming out of the Great Depression and World War II, we didn’t have much, so we decided to make Christmas special every year,” John recalled.
However, the holidays took a somber turn in December 2020 when Joan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s after surviving a grueling battle with breast cancer. Despite these challenges, John remained steadfast in his resolve to shower Joan with joy. This year, he went beyond the usual by decorating every house on their block, spending thousands from his savings on LED lights and a $20,000 shed for storage.
John’s mission began in September, just as neighbors were embracing Halloween themes, and involved numerous trips to hardware stores. This remarkable endeavor caught the attention of neighbor Frank Ewurs, who, after learning about John’s motivation, joined him in lighting up E. Franklin Avenue. By mid-November, nearly every house featured custom LED displays along with shimmering Christmas trees.
This glowing tribute quickly went viral, touching hearts far beyond Indianola. Local and international news agencies picked up the story, leading to John being interviewed by media from Canada and the Netherlands.
John and Joan can often be found in their garage, braving the cold to hand out hot chocolate, embodying the warmth of the holiday spirit. The community, moved by John’s devotion, rallied support through a GoFundMe campaign, which raised over $10,000, bringing together neighbors and people across the globe.
John’s dedication has fostered new friendships, including the bond with Ewurs, who proposed the fundraising initiative. “His love for Joan and Christmas has united our community,” Ewurs shared.
John Reichart’s determination to light up his neighborhood has touched many lives, uniting a community in celebration of love and resilience. Even if Joan passes on, John plans to continue this tradition, ensuring her memory shines brightly every Christmas.
Source: Yahoo