Robert L. Precht, 84

Robert “Bobby” Precht, age 84, of Albert Lea, passed away on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Mayo Clinic Health System-Fairmont.

Robert was born May 3, 1939 in Columbus, Indiana to Melvin and Marie (Niemoeller) Precht. The pregnancy was challenged, birth was difficult with Bob’s intracranial hemorrhage, but in God’s will, both Bobby and his mother lived. At age 2 he suffered from a seizure disorder, and with severe delays of development, Bobby was identified as “profoundly intellectually disabled.” Bobby lived at home from birth to 1945, when he moved to Dr. and Mrs. Bell’s private home in Faribault – Buckeye Hall, a caring home for 10 “special” children. In 1956, Bobby moved to Bethesda Lutheran Home, in Watertown, Wisconsin, and in 1964 back home to Minnesota, living in Faribault’s State Hospital and then Rochester’s Social Adaptation Center. In 1980, Bobby was a first placement at Woodvale V in Albert Lea. Bob never attended school until Woodvale V, when he started Alpha DAC. The REM programs and Cedar Valley Services were blessings of activities for Bob. Staff enjoyed Bobby. After CVS retirement, Bobby lived at Woodridge, a new REM home where Bobby enjoyed time with his roommates, working Duplos and puzzles, looking at books and magazines and going on outings. Visits from Bobby’s parents, before 1996, and more later-years’ visits from his sister, Carol and her husband, John Schleicher, were highlights for all of them. Sharing chocolate candy was special.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Mel and Marie Precht; his nephew, Andrew Schleicher; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and special roommates.

Bob is survived by his sister, Carol and her husband, John Schleicher of Spring, Texas; niece: Beth and Andy Hanson of Rochester, Minnesota; nephews: Matthew and Kimberly Schleicher, Ian, Ryan and Nathan of Spring, Texas; Rev. Jason and Amy Schleicher, Jaden, Cody, and Adley of Tomball, Texas; Jonathan and Chelsea Schleicher, Isaiah, Noah, Micah, and Selah of Spring, Texas; cousins, roommates, Woodridge Staff, and REM Staff.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Monday, December 4th at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with the Reverend John Schleicher officiating and the Schleicher Family participating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a gift to Lutherans for Life, 1101 5th Street, Nevada, Iowa 50201.

Arrangements by Clasen-Jordan Mortuary