Otto Heinrich Reiche was born February 22, 1865, in Naperville, DuPage County, Illinois, the son of Louis A. Reiche and Elizabeth Hiekel. He attended the Naperville grade schools and completed a business course at the North Western College Commercial School.
Otto married Magdalena Mary Friess on June 16, 1891, in Naperville and they were the parents of two children, Ralph Raymond and Veneta A. Veneta married Lawrence J. Miller.
At the age of 15, Otto got his start in business when he learned the tinner’s trade, working for his father who was a partner in the Hillegas and Reiche Hardware store on River Street, now Chicago Avenue. Otto then went to work for the Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co. hardware firm in Chicago, one of the oldest and largest such firms in Chicago.
In 1885, Louis Reiche purchased the old New York House, a 20-room hotel located on the northeast corner of Main Street and Jackson Avenue on the parcel where Dean’s Clothing Store parking lot is now located. The north room that had been a bar and game room was converted to a tin shop. The south room of the old hotel was converted into a hardware store.
Following his father’s retirement in February of 1898, Otto formed the hardware store business of Reiche Bros. with his brother Edwin George Reiche. Otto and his family lived above the store.
Otto also served as Naperville Township Clerk in 1893, Naperville Village Clerk in 1893 and 1894, 3rd Ward Naperville Alderman from 1898 to 1902. He was Fire Marshall from 1907 to 1917.
In addition, Otto was the manager of the Naperville Fire Department State Champion Hose Team in 1898, 1899, and 1900, after which they were declared the perpetual state champions. He also served as the foreman of the Naperville Fire Department hose company for 14 years. Otto was one of the Vice Presidents of the Illinois State Fireman’s Association, and Treasurer of the Naperville Fire Department.
He was raised a Master Mason October 29, 1895.
Otto Heinrich Reiche died September 12, 1953, in his home above the hardware store and was buried in the Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Naperville, Illinois.
