Patrick L. Reifer
Patrick L. Reifer, 81, formerly of Houtzdale, Lancaster, California and Smith, Nevada, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home.
Patrick was born on May 30, 1941 at Philipsburg State General Hospital, a son of the late William and Madeline (Grey) Reifer.
Patrick married the love of his life, June Loretta Madsen, in Clark County, Nevada. Together they raised two children, Dori Madsen Hayes, of Salt Lake City, Utah and Cleve Madsen, of Arkansas.
Patrick was the last of his generation. He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers: William, Charles, Paul, Thomas, Richard and Robert; and three sisters: Elizabeth J. “Betty” Yurkovich, Anne Marie Sicktich and Delores Stewart.
Upon graduation from high school, Patrick enlisted and served with the US Air Force from 1960 to 1964 and the US Air Force Reserve from 1964 to 1966. He then served with the Army National Guard until his discharge in 1978.
Patrick was employed during his working career with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Palmdale, California, until his retirement.
After the death of his wife, Patrick pursued his passion for the great outdoors; specifically, the Sierra Nevada mountain range. He assumed the life of a true cowboy, working as a ranch hand, most recently on Willow Stay Ranch, in Minden, Nevada. Always with a kind word, wink and friendly joke, he was adored by the many who met him. He loved his faithful dogs, airplanes, music and he was an expert horseshoe thrower. Patrick was a loyal patriot. He could be seen on horseback carrying the American flag as a symbol of his dedication to the USA and the values of our country that he served to uphold.
As he aged, Patrick eventually returned to his home state of Pennsylvania and most recently resided at the Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home. Patrick was loved by his numerous nieces and nephews and will be dearly missed.
The family will receive friends at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg, on Saturday, March 18, 2023, from 2 to 4 pm.
Military Honors will be accorded by the Philipsburg American Legion Honor Guard at the funeral home on Saturday at 4 pm.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.beezerheathfh.com.
