Richard E. "Dick" Prechtel

Richard E. "Dick" Prechtel, 77, of Stoney Creek, NC, died Sunday, March 17, 2013 in Powell, OH at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Mimi and Jerry Geswein. He also was surrounded by his wife, Nancy M. Prechtel; and daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Todd Davis; as well as his five grandchildren. Dick was born on July 5, 1935 in Orrville, OH to the late Thomas A. and Edna Reamer Prechtel. He was preceded in death by his sister Myra Jo Prechtel Florio. He graduated from Orrville High School, then from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was a ROTC member and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation. He served a 2 year assignment in Korea and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant upon completion of his service in Korea. He continued to serve in the US Army Reserves for 3 years. Upon discharge from the service, Dick began his career in Philadelphia, PA where he met the love of his life, Nancy McLaughlin. Dick and Nancy were married on September 9, 1961 in Philadelphia and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Hilton Head Island, SC. Dick was blessed with a career he loved, and was passionate about his work. He started his career in 1959 with Atlantic Richfield Company in Philadelphia as a marketing and management trainee. He later worked at Forest City Enterprises in Cleveland, OH. During his tenure as Vice President of Sales and Development, he was instrumental in the development of many beautiful residential communities in the greater Cleveland area. He and his family lived in Boardman, OH during the majority of his working life before retiring to North Carolina in 2000. During his retirement, Dick loved playing golf 5 days out of 7, enjoyed maintaining his beautifully landscaped golf course home, and was blessed with many wonderful friends with whom he and Nancy socialized. Dick loved all things Irish, including Notre Dame football, making his death on St. Patrick's Day particularly poetic for all who knew him. He was the proud father of twin daughters, Nancy P. (Todd) Davis and Mimi (Jerry) Geswein. He is survived by five grandchildren, whom he adored: Jack Geswein, Meggie Davis, Layne Geswein, Kate Geswein, and Luke Davis. Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at the RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME AT POWELL, 450 West Olentangy St., (Powell Rd./St. Rt. 750/ 1/4 mile east of Sawmill Pkwy.), Powell, OH 43065. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 22, 2013 at ST. BRIGID OF KILDARE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7179 Avery Rd., Dublin, OH 43017 with interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Lewis Center, OH. The Rev. Ty Tomson, Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HomeReach Hospice, 800 McConnell Drive, Columbus, OH 43214. Condolences to www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com.