Michael Edgar Albrecht

Michael E. Albrecht, 66, of La Crescent, entered his heavenly home on Thursday, September 25, 2014, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

He was born in La Crosse on April 24, 1948, to Hazel Scheil and Edgar “Shorty” Albrecht. He was a member of the first graduation class of La Crescent High School in 1966. Mike then served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. On his 23rd birthday, April 24, 1971, Mike married the love of his life, Rose Baumgartner at First Ev. Lutheran Church in La Crescent.

Mike was a Christian man and was prepared to meet the Lord. In fact some of Mike’s last words to his family were to tell them that Jesus was calling him home and to always stay close to the Lord. He was a life-long member of First Ev. Lutheran Church in La Crescent, the parish where he was baptized, confirmed, and married. He served as an usher and on the Church Council for many years and also served as Council President.

Mike was a dedicated and hardworking man. He worked in the Maintenance Department for the City of La Crescent for 40 years, serving as Maintenance Supervisor since 1986, before retiring in 2013. Even though his retirement was short he truly enjoyed the freedom he and Rose had doing the things they enjoyed together. He was a long-standing member of Gittens-Leidel American Legion Post 595 of La Crescent. He had served as Post Commander and District Commander in the past and was currently the Post’s Vice Commander and was a member of the Post 595 Color Guard.

One of the highlights of Mike’s life was when his life- long dream of driving a race car was realized through his son Michael. They spent many hours at the track and in the garage making that dream a reality.

In 1997, Mike was named Applefest Man of the Year, an honor that was given to him for his many years of service to the La Crescent Community.

Mike believed in volunteering and helping others. He was the first one to lend a hand to anyone in need. He had a heart of gold and was a friend to all. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
Above all, Mike was the most amazing Husband, Dad, and Bumpa. He loved his family with all his heart.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Rose; his children, Angela Albrecht (fiancé, Jim Elsen) and Michael J. (Sara) Albrecht, both of La Crescent; his grandchildren, Alivia Rose and Joshua Michael Kistler; and two other “grandchildren”, Jim’s children, Carly and Aaron Elsen. He is also survived by a brother, Kendall (Annette) Albrecht of Manchester, Iowa; in-laws, Judy Hansen, Fern (Bob Simon) Ritter, Sue (Rick) Troke, Sharon (Ron) Von Arx, Bernie (Dorothy), Howie (Margo), Frank (Faye), Dave (Rose), Bob (Joyce), Jerry (Pam), Glen (Becky), Nick (Cyndy) Baumgartner; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Shorty and Hazel; Rose’s parents, Ambrose and Susan Baumgartner; and brothers-in-law, Kenny Baumgartner, Harold Hansen, and Jim Ritter.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 29th, at 10:30 a.m., at First Ev. Lutheran Church in La Crescent. Pastor Chris Christenson will officiate. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, La Crescent. Family and friends may call at the church on Sunday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. and again on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.