Loren Dean Reichert

Born November 12, 1939, passed away at home in Northfield, MN, on November 16, 2025, just four days after his 86th birthday. His caregivers, Karl Reichert and Reynaldo Díaz, were at his side as he received hospice care for kidney failure.

Loren grew up in Bemidji, MN, with his parents, George Dean and Arvilla Reichert, and his older brother, Donn. He graduated from Bemidji High School in 1957 and enrolled at Carleton College in Northfield. There, he dated his classmate, Betty Ann Forster, and they married a few months after graduating in 1961. His interest in sociology was sparked at Carleton, and he went on to become a professor of sociology. He earned his master's and doctoral degrees at the University of Minnesota.

Loren began his teaching career at the University of Wyoming in Laramie in the late 1960s. The Rocky Mountains captivated him. He developed a passion for hiking, climbing, and backpacking, and he also honed his skills as a photographer. Over the decades, Loren built a fine and large library of books about mountaineering and famous climbers. The volumes, dating from the 1850s to recent times, cover all major mountain ranges across the globe.

In 1969, Loren and Betty moved to Las Vegas, where they raised their son, David. Loren joined the faculty at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he served as a professor of sociology for 25 years. He then joined the environmental consulting firm of Knight & Leavitt Associates in Las Vegas, fully retiring in the early 2000s. In his final years, Loren devoted his time and resources to many environmental causes, particularly those related to climate change and the preservation of wildlife habitats.

Following the death of his wife, Betty, in 2023, Loren resided with David in Santa Barbara, CA, for nine months. He then decided to return home to Minnesota and settle in Northfield, the town where he and Betty had fallen in love more than 65 years ago. His home was filled with Betty's art, and he was particularly proud to exhibit her quilts. His Northfield home was a place where he paid tribute to Betty's artistry.

Loren is survived by his son, David Reichert; sisters-in-law, Ruth Reichert and Kathie (Jean-Pierre) Birat; and his nephews and nieces, Karl Reichert (Reynaldo Díaz), Kurt (Sompit) Reichert, Eric Reichert, Donna (Greg) Martin, Melissa Birat (Patrice Lassus), Ray (Valerie) Reichert, and Jean-Marc Birat.

Loren was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Donn; an infant sister, Carolyn Deane; and daughter-in-law, Diane Dodds-Reichert. To honor Loren's wishes, there will be no service. Please honor his memory in your own way.