Thomas Albrecht Obituary

Thomas John Albrecht, 75, of Stevensville passed away on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI.

Tom was born on March 12, 1948, in Kalamazoo, Mich., to the late Arnold and Hazel (Epley) Albrecht.

He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and on Aug. 1, 1970, he married Betsy Wilkens.

Tom was a journeyman pattern maker for 50 years, and his later-in-life job was at Four Winds Casino. In Tom's younger years, he enjoyed cars and motorcycle racing. He and Betsy traveled with a group of motorcycle friends throughout the United States – Sturgis, South Dakota and northern Michigan were their favorite destinations.

Tom served as a volunteer firefighter for 28 years for Tri Unit/Lincoln Township Fire Department where he was a trainer, fire investigator and officer. He also became an avid competitive pistol shooter and once held a state title in his division. Tom also loved photography, fishing and hunting with friends, children and grandchildren.

He loved teaching his kids and grandchildren respect and safety of guns and how to shoot. Tom enjoyed every moment teaching them anything he could. He read every day of his life and was very knowledgeable about many things. Tom's biggest joy was being surrounded by his beloved family and many friends!

Tom is survived by his wife, Betsy; his children: Darren Albrecht of Stevensville, Darcy (James) Ashmead of St. Joseph and Deeann (Scott Scalf) Closson of Coloma; five grandchildren: Elizabeth, Jenna and Thomas Ashmead and Alec (Ternece) Rice and Colin Closson; two great-grandchildren: Ronin and Eleanor; two sisters: Carol (Ron) LoPresti of Holland, Mich., and Suzy Snyder of Berrien Springs; also many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

He is also preceded in death by his brother, Don Albrecht.

A celebration of life service will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 24, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, with the Rev. Marlo Fritzke officiating. Visitation with the family precedes the service from 10-11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Albrecht family or to the Lincoln Township Fire Department.