James D. Reigle Recognized For 70 Years In American Legion

Originally Posted In The Kewaskum Statesman

James D. Reigle has been an active member of the American Legion for 70 consecutive years.

Reigle was recognized last Wednesday, Nov. 4, for the distinction. Jim Dorn presented a certificate to Reigle on behalf of the American Legion Robert G. Romaine Post 384 in Kewaskum.

Reigle, who is 94 years old, served as a sergeant in the Army Air Forces in Germany from 1944 to 1946 during World War II before joining the American Legion.

“The American Legion has been part of community service throughout its history, so I am very proud of this,” Reigle stated as he received the award.

The award presentation was held at Reigle Family Park in Kewaskum. Members of the Reigle family gathered around as the award was presented.

The park itself is symbolic as to the emphasis Reigle places on community service. At the request of James D. Reigle, his family donated the land in 2017 to the Village of Kewaskum for a village park. Since then, volunteers have worked to develop the park.

Reigle earned a Bachelor of Science-Commerce degree. In 1949, he joined Regal Ware, a company that his father, James O. Reigle, founded. When his father retired in 1965, James D. Reigle became the president of Regal Ware. Today, Reigle serves on Regal Ware’s Executive Committee as chairman emeritus.

Over the years, Reigle has served the Kewaskum community through his membership in organizations such as the American Legion and the Kewaskum Kiwanis Club. Reigle also served Kewaskum as village president from 1955 to 1963.

Reigle is one of the veterans recognized in this week’s paper.