Christopher Michael Reichenbacker, 50, of Waterloo, passed away on December 26, 2024, at Unity Point-Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa.

Chris was born on March 2, 1974, the son of Dawn Laughlin and Howard Aschenbrenner, at St. Francis Hospital-Waterloo. He was the oldest of two boys and grew up with his father Robert Reichenbacker and little brother Cory. He attended East High School and would go on to eventually complete his GED.

For those who knew him, Chris' life was a constant reminder that people are complicated, and that even in the most difficult circumstances, there is still room for empathy. Chris may not have always been the man he could have been, but he was, at his core, human-a man with flaws, with pain, and with a heart that, despite everything, was capable of love.

As we say goodbye to Chris, we choose to remember him as being more than his struggles. We remember him as a man who, like all of us, was seeking meaning, fighting his battles, and trying, in his own way, to make sense of a life that often felt out of control. May his passing serve as a call for understanding and a reminder of the importance of getting clean, staying healthy, and having empathy even for those whose lives may seem beyond saving.

He is preceded in death by his stepmother, Dolene Reichenbacker; maternal and paternal grandparents; and his three maternal uncles, Bobby, Donnie, and Bill Laughlin.

Chris is survived by his parents, Dawn Laughlin and Robert Reichenbacker both of Waterloo; four children, Jordan Carey of Waterloo, Chandlynne Reichenbacker of Lincoln, NE, Alexys Reichenbacker of Johnston, IA, and Katie Corson of Bradford, AR; brother, Cory (Ashley) Reichenbacker of Waterloo; as well as his nieces, two grandchildren, and many friends and extended family.

A family hosted Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the American Legion Becker Chapman Post #138 in Waterloo.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to the Benefit of Chris Reichenbacker Fund established at Dupaco Community Credit Union.