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Daniel William Reberger
12/06/1951 — 10/19/2008
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Portland, Oregon
Daniel William Reberger
Dan was born in Portland, Oregon to Ralph and Ruth Reberger, the second of four children. He came to Richland in 1974 to work at Hanford after graduating from Oregon State University with a degree in Chemical Engineering.
Although his work was fulfilling, his two happiest days at work were when he met his future bride Janeen in 1975 and the day he retired at age 55 in December 2006. He firmly believed 32 years was quite long enough to work and wanted to spend his time doing what he loved the most…spending time with his family and friends, traveling, hunting, and hiking the Grand Canyon. One of his favorite things to do when we weren't on the road in our RV was to hike Badger Mountain.
Dan and Janeen would have celebrated their 30th anniversary this month. His proudest moments were when his son, Kevin and daughter, Lynn were born. Dan loved to do many things; but his true passion was people. His life was so enriched by his many friends. He loved to talk sports and to tell funny stories. His sense of humor was priceless.
Dan is preceded in death by his father, Ralph. He is survived by Janeen, Kevin, and Lynn. He is also survived by his mother, Ruth, sisters Janet Little and husband Les, Nancy Sturdevant and husband Ron, and Diane Kern and husband Gerry, and by many nieces and nephews.
This tragedy has taken Dan from my arms but never from my heart. His warmth and laughter will be sorely missed and I will love him forever.
Memorial service will be on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 12 noon at Bethel Church, 600 Shockley Road in Richland. Viewing will be Friday 5pm to 8pm at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland.
In lieu of flowers you may make contributions to Friends of Badger Mountain, 1701 Fanning Road, Pasco WA 99301
What a loss! I worked a l9ng time with Dan at Hanford, the height of the day being our lunchtime bridge games.
I had the privilege of working with Dan a few years ago. He always had the heart of a teacher, the laughter of a good friend, and a wisdom that came from a lifetime of experiences. He always got a little twinkle in his eye when he was telling a sly joke or speaking of his wife and children. Dan will always be remembered and missed. My condolences to his family.
Reberger Family-
My deepest sympathy for your loss. We spent a lot of quality time talking up baseball! Dan will be missed. My prayers are with you all.
Dan will be sincerely missed. I can honestly say it was a pleasure to know Dan and call him my friend. I pray that God’s grace will comfort Dan’s family and wipe the pain from thier hearts by filling the void with the wonderful memories from dan’s life.
Dan was by far the engineer that I will always respect the most. As a young engineer working as an Ops supervisor at PUREX, Dan was an exceptional mentor and friend. I’ll never forget his patience and humor at work, playing a little pool after the last swing shift, and all the great advice that has paid off big time in my life. I’ll always think so fondly of you Dan. We’ll miss you but I know you’re making heaven an even better place with your presence.
I work in tank farms with Dan and I have always depended on Dan’s knowlege of the systems and components in tank farms, Dan has taught me so much here which made my Job a lot easier, My prayers go out to his family and other friends. Dan will be truely missed. God Bless.
I worked with Dan on a number of assignments prior to his retirement. He was very helpful, and eager to provide every bit of information about whatever he knew, relating to trible knowledge of tank farms at Hanford site. He stated that he was going to retire soon, and that it was important that he conveyed all the information he could, to others. May God bless his soul. My prayers and sympathies are with his family.
Dan was always a pleasure to work with and we will all miss him. My sincere condolences to Dan’s family.
I came to work at Hanford in 2002. I worked with Dan many times during my time here and I can say that no one helped me more or taught me more about the work requirements than Dan did. He was always so patient and helpful even when he was busy with other priorities. I was so happy for him when he announced his retirement. I knew I would miss his humor and good naturedness. I would like to express my sympathy for his family and loved ones. He is gone much too early and he will be missed by many. God bless you all.
Dan was a great guy. I will miss his encouragement and funny stories as well.
I worked with Dan at Tank Farms From 1988 until he retired. Any time I had a question about anything dealing with Tank Farms his was the first name that I would think of. I was totally bummed when I found out he was retiring early and a little jealous. My heart goes out to the family of Dan and My prayers are with them at this time, he will be sorely missed.
Dan was a good friend to me and was missed when he left the Hanford site. We had many enjoyable conversations about hunting, experiences and travel as well as work. Seeing him always made me smile because he was always positive and helpful. I’m very sorry for your loss and know that he is with our Lord in heavan now. God bless and keep you, Jim
I first met Dan in the 1970’s working at 234-5. Then met up with him again years later. Dan was alot of fun. We all had alot of fun pulling pranks on each other. I was so excited for him when he announced he was retiring. Deepest Sympathies to the family.
Sue Eubanks
Janeen ~ I was so very sorry to hear of the tragedy of Dan’s passing. I’m so glad the two of you had a chance for some retirement together. My thoughts are with you and your family. May you come to Peace and Acceptance. Jane Anderson, RN, Pre-Admission Services
I have known Dan for almost 19 years. I first met Dan at PUREX where he was a shift engineer and I was a new hire. I had lots of questions and Dan was patient enough to answer the questions. He would even go out of his way to show me the right answer. Over the years this patients and willingness to help was seen each time he got a new person to train.
One of my fondest memories of Dan is playing cards at work. We had âfriendlyâ games of cards. He was the kind of card player who likes to make sure that whoever was in the lead at the time of the final hand would lose. This usually meant that Dan did not win, but that did not matter to him.
Kevin and Family, my sincerest condolences for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you during these difficult times.
Janeen, Kevin and Lynn,
I spent over 10 years every day working with Dan. He was my mentor and friend. He taught me just about everthing I know and was the most respected engineer at Hanford. I was so proud to have worked with him. I cried all the way home the day he left for retirement. I was sad to not see him every day, yet happy he could finally do all the things he loved. Even though people here at work thought of Dan as a very serious engineer, those of us close to him saw another side; that of a great sense of humor and practical jokes! He loved to play them on me. His favorite was the time the on call list came around to be filled out and I was gone. The only block left open was over Christmas. I saw that and started to rant and rave! He let me go on for an hour and then informed me that it was a made up listing that he had done just to get at me!!! He also loved to “decorate” people’s offices when they went on vacation and then secretly laugh when they blamed it on me or someone else. He was so devious! We will all miss him greatly. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa
Dan was one of the most kind and patient “teachers” that I have ever had the good fortune to have worked with. Knowing he was doing what he loved most made it easier to “let him go” when he retired. There is no doubt he treasured every moment of his life. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Dear Janeen, Kevin and Lynn,
We were so shocked and sorry to hear about Dan’s accident. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Dan was a really wonderful person and we always enjoyed being around him. We loved watching our two “Kevins” on the baseball field. We share many happy memories of those years. Words just do not seem adequate at a time like this. Please accept our deepest sympathy for your very great loss.
Sincerely,
Kent and Janet Oswalt
In the past few days, I have thought back to all the events that showed me what an outstanding person Dan was. When I was new to Hanford, I met Dan and Janeen playing soccer at Hanford High. Later, he was my contact at PUREX as the tank farms were supporting PUREX restart. Then, he, Janeen and Lynn got into tennis and took lessons from Patti. And, lastly when I came to the Transfer Group just before Dan retired. I could always count on Dan to be a great engineer, a true professional but also with a great smile and sly sense of humor. Heâs left a great legacy of people heâs mentored and Iâm proud to count myself as one of them.
Reberger Family
I had the pleasure of working with Dan in the Tank Farms for 10 years until his retirement. There was no question as to Dans ability and knowledge of the work that we do at the Hanford site. I looked forward to the talks about transfer lines, leak detection and pumps work stuff with Dan. He would always make me feel comfortable and at ease in talking with him. It was enjoyable getting to know Dan and talking with him about Kevin and Drew my son and their baseball activities.
My condolences and prayers are with you and Dan in this time of sorrow.
God Bless
Rich Gutierrez
It was my pleasure to meeet and work with Dan for nearly 15 years at PUREX. I have more memories than I can begin to relate. He was definitely the chief mentor for the young crop of engineers entering the workforce at PUREX. I never heard Dan say a cross word to or about anyone – and that was impressive in a work environment that invited cross words. Dan always kept a sense of humor and was always a model of professionalism. I am happy Dan was able to retire and focus on some of the things he loved – although I have to admit I conspired to try to get him to come to work with us again after retirement – I was secretly glad he refused – for his sake. I will always remember Dan, and will try to live up to his example. There is a special place in Heaven for people of the caliber of Dan Reberger.
Bill Peiffer
Janeen and Family,
It is with great sadness that I hear of your loss. Dan was one of the brightest and best people I have ever had the joy of meeting and working with in my life. This may be hard to believe, but it wasn’t 3 weeks ago when I told a co-worker here in Oak Ridge something Dan said to me probably 25 years ago. It wasn’t profound but it showed how thoughtful and humble he was. We were talking about work load and I must have expressed how I was having a hard time keeping up with things. He said that he understood that, because when he had 10 or 12 things going on, it was hard to keep up. I said “10 or 12, I can’t keep up with 3 or 4 things”! He quickly responded that “That’s true for me too but I did not want to say that and appear too stupid”. I laughed and have laughed about it more than several times including 3 weeks ago. I have not crossed paths with Dan in decades but obviously I can say I have cherished the fact that I could say I knew Dan. Dan was a great human being. I have and will honor his memory. My prayers are with you all.
With deepest sympathy,
Lorelei Jacobs
Dan was a great person and a true joy to work with. He will be missed by the many co-workers who have learned from his experience, knowledge, and positive attitude. Our prayers and thoughts are with him and his family.
Dan was a great person to work with. He saw the Hanford Hummer in must situation. He will be missed.
Janeen, Kevin and Lynn
“A good man out of the treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things”:Matt.12:35
Dan shared his treasure time-talents-wisdom-humorwith all of us. He showed us how to be a good friend. I have so many fond memories of Dan over the past 33 years. I remember Dan describing how he was helping Kevin hit a baseball. The only problem was Dan’s pitching. He said that what he really taught Kevin was how to be hit by a pitch. In 1976-77 I thought that Dan was trying to advance his career into Operations Management by spending a lot of time in the PFP Plant Manager’s office. Later I found out the real reason was Janeen the Plant Manager’s secretary. Dan was so shy. OSU did’nt teach chemical engineers how to talk to girls.
“A friend loveth at all times,and a brother is born for adversity”. Pro.17:17 .Dan is a GOOD FRIEND. He will be greatly missed.
Dan was truly a great man. He touched our lives and will be missed by us as well. Our hearts go out to you for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
I worked with Dan at Purex and highly respected his knowledge.
He was a great person to work with.
I have alot of memories as shiftworker–working with him,his smile, his sense of humor.
My condolences to his family. He will be truly missed.
Bert and Lila Andor
I met Dan at PUREX when I came to work on the Hanford site 24 years ago. Dan was always patient, competent and knowledgable. A more caring, personable man I have not run across yet out here. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to have known Dan as a friend and fellow professional. Dan was a golfing buddy for a few years. He kept his temper on the golf course….pretty much, and beat me more often than not. We had some great times at the old Sham-Na-Pum golf course. I’m going to miss Dan, I was hoping we’d get out and play another round before too long. My heart goes out to his family in this time of loss.
Dear Janeen, Kevin and Lynn,
One of the first people I met at Hanford was Dan. I work with him at PUREX for over 12 years. Dan was the person you could go to get good technical information or good advice. Later I followed Dan to Tank Farms and work with him for another 13 years until he retired. Dan would always come to work in good cheer and usually had a funny joke to tell everyone. I sat near Danâs office and would often here him tell the same joke that day to everyone that came by to see him. Sometimes I would sit in my office and laugh harder and harder each time he told that joke. Dan was a great friend and teacher because he loved to help people and gave freely to everyone. I have thought about Dan and your family a lot this week and we will all miss him a lot. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family.
I knew Dan for 14 years, I worked with him 12 years at Hanford, WA. I never saw Dan stressed, he was always calm, polite, excellant worker, hunter and a great friend. I never duck hunted with Dan. I did see him many times at McNary Refuge for a morning duck hunt. I will miss our conversation about duck hunting. My heart goes out to Janeen, Kevin and Lynn. I know their hearts are broken. I send all my love to family brothers and sisters to Dan and Janeen including Ruth during this difficult time. I am so sorry for their loss. May god bless Dan and the family.
I had the good fortune to meet, work with, and get to know Dan while together in the Tank Farms. Dan was a very special person that I had the utmost respect and admiration for. This is no exageration; I truly felt better when he walked in a room…nothing seemed to phase him and the calm he exuded was usually much needed in the storm of activity we always seemed to be under.
I loved to share baseball stories with him and looked forward to bumping into him on the North side from time to time and catch up.
My heart goes out to the entire family – he will be forever remembered.
When I first came to Hanford, I had the wonderful experience of working with Dan in Tank Farms System Engineering. He was a valued friend and mentor. Words cannot express the sense of loss I have for his family and the community.
Dan was the kind of person that gave me comfort, just knowing that people of his warmth and intelligence were around working for the best for everyone.
Dan had an easy smile and sincerely humble manner, which seems rare in this world. It was a pleasure to enjoy the outdoors with Dan and Janeen, and to hear stories of their travels.
For anyone that has yet to discover the simple, but precious joys that Dan and Janeen shared, then TAKE A HIKE….up Badger Mountain some crisp autumn morning, or in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom…and remember one great guy that left us all too soon.
Like anyone that knew Dan, we are shocked, but feel fortunate to have shared time with him, and we grieve too.
Dan was my mentor and my friend for his last 10 years at work. I worked with him every day, and he always had a great sense of humor. I will always remember Dan’s sense of humor. Dan was a great man. I think what he looked forward to most was the time he spent with his family. My prayers will continue to be with you and the family, Janeene. I truly feel like I’m a better person for knowing Dan, as do so many.
I worked with Dan for many years in the 200 East Tank Farms. He was a person that always was willing to help me and whoever else had a problem. He was an excellent engineer, but what I’ll remember most about Dan is his being one of the nicest people I have ever met in my entire life. He will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends.
Dave Sparks
I have been Dan’s brother in law for almost 15 years, but I knew Dan back in the days of Purex plant at Hanford int the 1980’s.
Dan was a cool guy, always soft spoken. One of the things that I liked about Dan was his sense of humor. We both worked at tank farms at opposite ends of the building. When he had a funny story or joke to pass on to me he come all the way back to the shop to see me. I also thought it was very special that he came to some of my son’s baseball games. He was there for me when I needed his help. Dan was a friend, and he will be missed.
Verne Farley
Janeen and Family,
Dan was one of the first people I worked with when I moved to Richland 30 years ago. He was always a joy to be with, both on and off the job. His dry wit had a way of âturning lemons into lemonade,â and it would always catch me off guard. One instance I remember in particular was a time that Dan was driving a few of us to go skiing and got pulled over for speeding. The trooper started asking Dan questions about the car: what year, how many miles, what’s the gas mileage. After Dan was given the ticket and we were on the road again, we began discussing the reasons that the trooper had taken such an interest in the car, and that perhaps the car had such great features that he wanted to buy it. Dan was quiet for a few seconds and said something like âwell, it does have one defect, a sticky gas pedal.â I will miss him.
You have my greatest sympathy.
Janeen, Kevin and Lynn,
We are so incredibly saddened by your lose. May you find comfort in those that surround you during this difficult time. Know that God’s love and strength is with you as well as our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Vicky, Pat and family
Dear Janeen, Kevin and Lynn,
You have my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Kris and I so enjoyed all the times we sat together at the Hamtec baseball games, and went water skiing on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Kris was pleased to see you and Dan a few weeks ago at Home Depot, Janeen, as we hadn’t been in touch for some time. I wish I had seen you two, also.
Take care, and may God bless you and comfort you all in this time of sorrow.
Dawn
Dan was truly a great mentor to me. I envied how he was so calm and collective. From the day we started working together, I tried to emulate him–even down to his dress code. He will be missed.
Dan will be missed by many and hope and strength to your Family.
Dan is my uncle, i will miss him so much. He is the smartest man i ever knew and his personality was priceless. I always looked up to him and enjoyed every time i got to see him.
Guestbook for
Daniel William Reberger