Richard G. Lambrecht

ST. JOSEPH — Richard G. “Dick” Lambrecht, 73, of St. Joseph, went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 28, 2003. He was born on April 20, 1929, in Benton Harbor, the son of the late George and Huldena (Steinke) Lambrecht. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Benton Harbor. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1947 and from Benton Harbor Junior College with an A.A. in 1949. He was admitted to Michigan State College but military service intervened. He served at Camp Carson, Colo., from 1951 to 1953, where he attained the rank of sergeant. In April 1951, he married Helen Roeske of St. Joseph. They were blessed with three children — Richard, Debra and Daniel. In 1956 Dick and Helen opened Lambrecht’s Liquors, one of the first businesses in the SouthTown area of St. Joseph on Niles Avenue. Dick served as a member of the St. Joseph Planning Commission from 1970 to 1994. His service and leadership in the church included the Board of Elders, Stewardship Committee and ushering at Trinity Lutheran, St. Joseph. His survivors include: his wife, Helen; his children — Dr. Richard and Linda Lambrecht of Charlton, Mass., the Rev. Steven and Dr. Debra Hess of Ft. Myers, Fla., and Daniel Lambrecht, J.D., of St. Joseph; his grandchildren — Rebecca, Robert and Kimberly Lambrecht and Peter and Adam Hess; along with his brother-in law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He will be remembered as a loving Christian, husband, father and grandfather, who loved to brag about his grandkids, enjoy the outdoors and go fishing. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the Starks and Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. A coronation service will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, with Pastor Tom Batsky officiating. Burial will follow in North Shore Memory Gardens. Memorials may be made to the church. Friends wishing to send a condolence message, may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.