By Amber Leifheit

MACF Executive Director

Bill Reigel has lived in Marshfield his entire life. He said Marshfield has been very good for him and his wife, Pat. The Reigels have been very good for Marshfield as well.

Bill started Reigel Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning in Marshfield in 1969. Bill said many people were generous and hired him when he was first starting out. In less than one year, and with an already well-known name and reputation, a warehouse was constructed. Bill’s interest in buying specialty parts led to the building of the present retail store at 1701 S. Galvin Ave. in Marshfield, which houses Reigel’s offices, warehouse, and retail hardware store. In 1984 Reigel’s purchased Mauer’s Heating to become a full service plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractor. In 1999 his children Mike Reigel, Brian Reigel, and Jeff Kolpanen took over the business. Today, Reigel’s employs just fewer than 50 full-time workers.

Twenty-four years ago, Bill had a heart transplant. An organ donor made it possible for him to have more time with his wife and family. Bill said, “If I think back before transplant, I was so sick. It’s just a new life, … no question about it.”

Bill and Pat celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this year, and they continue to enjoy their retirement. Now they feel a real drive to help others as they have been helped.

Bill and Pat’s donor-advised fund at the Marshfield Area community Foundation has provided funding for the Women’s Shelter in Loyal, Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity, and Columbus Catholic Schools. This year the Reigels made an extraordinary donation by using the required minimum distribution from their IRA to contribute to the Foundation’s Community Grants Fund.

The Community Grants Fund helps with emerging needs in the Marshfield area. In the past this fund has supported Nutrition On Weekends program, Keep Kids Warm, the Personal Development Center, Home Delivered Meals, Mary’s Boarding House, St. Vincent DePaul Outreach, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and many other local nonprofits.

Thank you, Bill and Pat Reigel, for helping our community.