Indianapolis, Iowa – Santa Claus isn’t driving a sleigh this year in Indianola, Iowa – and instead of presents, he’s bringing joy and light and decorating every house on his street for the upcoming holidays.
John Reichart, 74, loves Christmas, but there’s something he loves more: his wife of 53 years, Joan. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease four years ago, and since then the Marine veteran has made it his mission to continue making her memories.
“If it wasn’t for my wife, I don’t know if I would have done it,” Reichart said. “But she wanted Christmas, so I would give it to her. I would do anything to make her happy.’
Now there are a lot of extra hands on his project, helping set up lights, decorations and more. There’s also a steady stream of admirers coming to join the celebration.
John Reichart stands outside his home in Indianapolis, Iowa. November 2024. / Credit: CBS News
“I think the whole neighborhood feels very blessed to be in this neighborhood,” one neighbor said.
“It’s moving,” an onlooker added. “That’s what Christmas is all about.”
Reichart said he doesn’t see himself quitting the tradition now.
“As long as she’s okay,” he said. “And even if she were to succeed, I will do it in her memory, as long as I can.”
Joan said she loved the holiday spirit her husband brought to the neighborhood.
“I didn’t know what to think,” Joan said. ‘But I’m glad he did it. I love him.’
To thank Reichart and celebrate Joan, his neighbors have set up a mailbox where they can receive Christmas cards. They give the cards to Reichart so he can read them to his wife.
CBS News invites viewers to send cards. To send a card to the Reicharts, address it to this PO Box:
Johannes Reichart
C/O Frank Ewurs
PO Box 133
Indianola, Iowa, 50125
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