Ardmore Dentist, World War II Vet, Dead at 97

Image and obituary courtesy Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory

ARDMORE, PA -- Dr. John K. Reimer, age 97, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2016, at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach, FL. Born and raised in Easton, PA, he attended Lafayette College and then the University of Pennsylvania Dental School, graduating second in his class in 1940.

He met his wife, Thelma, while he was in Dental School and she was at Penn School of Nursing.

Married just four days after Pearl Harbor, they went on to have three daughters, Sally, Judy and Janyce. Jack was most proud to be one of three in the country to be chosen for a US Army Medical Internship at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX.

He served in the 2nd Armored Division, seeing combat duty in both France and Germany.

Leaving the Army in 1946, Jack returned to Ardmore, PA, where he set up his dental office and practiced for the next 43 years. He was proud to serve as President of the Main Line Dental Association and on the adjunct faculty of the University of Pennsylvania Dental School.

He was particularly proud of his work providing dental services along with his wife, Thelma, in poverty stricken areas of Haiti and Honduras.

His contributions to the local community included holding offices in both Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs as well as serving on the Board of Directors of Main Line Federal Savings bank for 33 years. Upon retirement, Jack and Thelma moved to Vero Beach, FL.

They enjoyed 20 years of fun, sun and worldwide travel. First at Spinnaker point in the Moorings and then at The Lakes at Pointe West, Jack served as President on the Resident Council and as an Ambassador for the Lakes. He loved being around people and was known for “working the room” wherever he went.

A college baseball player at Lafayette, he played both golf and racquetball until age 90! Jack’s family was the most important part of his life.

His wife, Thelma, was his true love and for 68 years enjoyed traveling the world, visiting children, playing paddle tennis and partying with their closest friends. He bragged about his three children whenever he had the chance and adored his grandson, Gunter. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for any one of them.

His love was truly unconditional. Jack is survived by daughters Sally Sell (Ralph), Judy Smith (Barry) and Janyce Mose (Hugh), and his Grandson Gunter Sell (Vivianna) He will be buried next to his wife at the National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. -