Ernest Andrew Reigstad

Ernest (“Ernie”) Andrew Reigstad passed away on Monda Nov. 15, 2021, in his home with his loving family by his side. He was 84.

Ernie was born Oct. 22, 1937, in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he spent his childhood. At age 18 he met his beautiful wife, Helen, while attending a church dance. Two days later he left to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force where he received his computer training. Helen and Ernie married June 6, 1959. They moved to Lake Mohawk, Sparta, N.J., where they have been for the past 62 years.

Ernie received a bachelor of business administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and spent most of his career at Warner Lambert Pharmaceutical Company as a quality assurance and computer security manager. Ernie had many titles in his lifetime — manager, systems analyst, People to People Ambassador, delegate, Presbyterian Church volunteer, published author, Alpine Trustee, Boy Scout Leader, world traveler, brother, husband, Dad, Pop Pop and simply “The Greatest.”

His favorite destination and home away from home was Bermuda. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and found great joy as well as tremendous pride in the daily tasks of life at home. He will be forever remembered for his charming personality, genuine heart, remarkable sense of humor and captivating story telling.

Ernie is survived by his beloved wife, Helen Reigstad. He was the devoted father of Ernie (Cindy), Bert (Lynn), Helene Geissel (Alan) and Laura Zakrzewski (Paul). Ernie is also survived by his grandchildren Alexa Griffin (Ben), Brianna Collins (Michael), Allyson and Andrew Reigstad, Victoria, Austin and Brendan Geissel and Paul, Lauren, Ryan, Rebecca, Nicholas, Christian and Amanda Zakrzewski. As well as two great grandchildren Hailey and Charles Griffin. He also has three siblings, Linda, Fredrick and Ruth and was predeceased by his mother, father and brother John.

A memorial service will be held at The First Presbyterian Church of Sparta, 32 Main Street, Sparta, on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 11 a.m., followed by a military salute, celebration of life luncheon, and time to greet the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s “Christian’s Crew,” Greater Delaware Valley, 555 Croton RoadKing of Prussia, PA 19406.