Kory will always be remembered as someone who cared deeply for his family and friends. He would do anything to be there for his loved ones in need, often sacrificing his own comfort or needs for others. Kory Michael Reighard, just shy of 58 years old, of Burlington, Iowa went to Heaven on August 30, 2025 after passing away of natural causes.

He was born on September 9th, 1967 in Burlington, Iowa to Edith (Middleton) Reighard and was the treasured little brother to Kent Reighard and Karla (Reighard) Andries. Kory’s birth was celebrated by his loving grandparents, Ed and Elsie Middleton and Anita Reighard. He grew up in Kingston, Iowa and attended Mediapolis Community Schools. Kory was a proud Eagle Scout who enjoyed using his outdoor skills to work on projects and recreational activities. One of Kory’s favorite memories from his youth was his trip to Canada with the Eagle Scouts. There he was able to fish and enjoy the great outdoors. His family lovingly remembers him reporting that on this trip he accidentally tipped his canoe and absolutely did not like swimming with the “big fish and their big teeth” while trying to get back out of the water.

Kory married Johnnie Rice in 1987 and became the father of Amanda (Reighard) Duffy. He and Johnnie later divorced. He became the father to Jacob Reighard and later married Tina Kephart in 1992 gaining three bonus children: Melinda (White) Saltzman, Ryan Nelsen and John “JJ” Kephart Jr. He and Tina later divorced. A few years later Kory was blessed with another son, Zachary Fritsch from his relationship with Carrie Fritsch. Kory had lifelong friends who were loved by his extended family, Eric and Clarissa Denny and Steve “Bird” Smith.

He was a talented mechanic who worked several jobs throughout the years. Most notably he worked with a family friend, Jim Jacks, and later alongside his brother, Kent, who owned Wyatt’s Body and Frame.

Kory was preceded in death by his mother, Edith, brother Kent and grandparents Ed, Elsie, Howard and Anita. He is survived by his children: Amanda (Aron Bouton), Jacob, and Zachary (Mariah Brown), Melinda, Ryan (Josee Adair) and JJ. His grandchildren Henry, June and Charlotte (born to Amanda), Nika (born to Jacob), Za’Leah, Zariah and Neveah (born to Zachary), Brantlee (born to Melinda), Pailee, Morgan, Riley and Raylynn (born to Ryan), Mia and Christian (bonus children to Ryan) Zarion, Miles and Jaxon (born to JJ), his sister, Karla and many other loved ones including his numerous nieces and nephews.

An informal celebration of life will be held at Perkins Park on September 9, 2025 on what would have been his 58th birthday. Guests are welcomed from 4:30-8:00p.

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