Robert Reifschneider

Robert (Rob) Eugene Reifschneider, 89, passed away peacefully November 19, 2024 in Payson, AZ, after a courageous battle with cancer. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Rob was born June 1, 1935 in Kelim, CO, to Edward and Mollie (Brunner) Reifschneider. He moved with his family to Lynwood, CA and graduated from Lynwood High School in 1953. After graduation, he joined the Naval Reserve and also attended San Diego State College, where he was active in the Sigma Chi fraternity. He graduated from SDSC in 1957 with a degree in business management and went to work full-time for the family business, Manchester Tank & Equipment Co., in Lynwood. He initially served as warehouse manager, followed by a role as production coordinator and then senior vice president. 

Rob married Donna Unruh in 1958. The couple settled in Compton, CA and were blessed with three children, Roberta, Rhonda, and Eric. In 1969, the family moved to Downey, CA. In 1993, Rob and Donna relocated to Brentwood, TN, where Manchester moved its headquarters. The couple resided there until 2003, after Manchester was sold to the McWane Company. After retirement, Rob and Donna relocated to Palm Desert, CA and also established a home in Payson, AZ. In addition to numerous business achievements, Rob was active in many professional and community activities, serving as president of the California Jaycees; vice president of the U.S. Jaycees; president of the Western Liquid Gas Association; president of the Saint Francis Medical Center Foundation in Lynwood; and president of Ironwood Country Club in Palm Desert. He became active in the Betty Ford Foundation in the 1990s and was named a board member of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation in 2018. He was active in supporting HBFF on many fronts related to addiction recovery, with a particular emphasis on education about addiction recovery to medical professionals. He remained active in Sigma Chi and received the Significant Sig and Seven Lights awards. Throughout his life, he enjoyed golf, tennis, and other sports and cherished time with his family. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Palm Desert and Mount Cross Lutheran Church in Payson. 

He is survived by his wife, Donna; his three children: Roberta, Palm Desert, CA.; Rhonda (Andrew) Roe, Maple Grove, MN; Eric (Karen), Boise, ID; four grandchildren Rachel (Josh) Stevens, Dayton, MN; Rebecca (John) Leslie, St. Peter, MN; Olivia Reifschneider, Santa Clara, CA; and Ryan Reifschneider, Berkeley, CA; and three great grandchildren: Atarah, Mollie, and Rose Stevens. He was preceded in death by his brother Darrel in 2024 and sister Elaine (Reifschneider) Ruhl in 2001. 

 A viewing will be held Wednesday, December 11 from 3 pm to 5:30 pm at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 69855 Ramon Rd., Cathedral City, CA 92234. A funeral service will be held Thursday, December 12 at 11:00 am at Hope Lutheran Church 45900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92260, with visitation one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow the service. 

Memorials may be designated to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.