CHARLES “CHARLIE” WILLIAM PRECHT
Charles “Charlie” William Precht, passed peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones, on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at the young age of 74 at Reid Memorial Hospital after a treacherous fight against COVID-19.
Born on April 29, 1947, in Batesville, to Harris Precht Sr. and Marie (Wessler) Precht, Charlie was always driven to “get things done.” Soon after graduating from Connersville High School in 1966, Charlie married, and three months later was drafted into the Army. He completed basic training in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and bravely served in Korea as a “sharp shooter”. Charlie would later receive the National Defense Service Medal prior to his exit from the military.
Charlie was a known man around town, rightfully attributed to his comforting demeanor, gentle personality, and ornery sense of humor. He enjoyed eating breakfast and lunch with his group of friends. He served his community in many facets – He worked at HH Robinson, Liberty Mill, Farm Bureau Co-Op, and finally St. Gabriel Catholic Church, from where he retired. When not working, Charlie spent his time as a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Franklin County Pioneer Club, Rushville Pioneer Club, Greensburg Power of the Past Club, Portland Pioneer Club, and Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Anyone who knew Charlie knew he lived by three “F’s” – Family, Farm and Fun. Following his retirement, Charlie lived those three “F’s” to the fullest. He went on an Alaskan cruise, attended every tractor show known to him, loved auctions, spending time with his family, traveling with his brother, and avidly collecting Bolens garden tractors. When he was asked about his hobbies, he stated “trains, trains, and more trains.” He was certainly happy spending hours dismantling and repairing old tractors with his good friend Bobby. One of Charlie’s greatest joys in life was having all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren join him in traditions at his farm, especially pumpkin carving and Fourth of July.
Charlie is survived by his six children: Paula (Doug) Struewing, Charles W. Precht II (Christal), Benjamin (Lisa) Precht, Angi (Mike Speckman) Precht-Hewitt, Lacey Precht, Jacob (Danielle Lubbers) Precht; two brothers and sister-in-law, Harris Precht Jr., John and Brenda Precht; 14 grandchildren, Judith (Craig) Mathew, Alesia Struewing, Charles W. Precht III, Daniel Precht, Dylan Precht, Christopher (Marlee) Holzbacher, Paige (Mark) Schlotterbeck, Billy Love, Alex Love, Dustin Powell, Noah Hewitt, Logan Hewitt, Jacob Precht Jr., and Amelia Precht; five great-grandchildren, Matthew Schlotterbeck, Miles Mathew, Maverick Holzbacher, Rosali Schlotterbeck, and George Mathew; lifelong friend, Bobby Amrhein; his companion, Joyce Crank; several cousins; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Charlie’s family would like to thank all his medical team at Reid Memorial Hospital for providing excellent, compassionate, and supportive care during the last weeks of his life. “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Services for Charlie will be held on Friday, September 17, 2021, from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home, Connersville, Indiana, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Gabriel Catholic Church at noon on Friday. Private graveside services will be held at a later time. The family kindly asks that you please wear a mask during the indoor services. Memorial contributions may me made to the family to donate to a cause of their choice at a later date.