David Warren Albrecht

David W. Albrecht (84) died peacefully at home in Oshkosh on Wednesday May 22, 2024, surrounded by those who loved him.

 David is survived by his wife, Susan (Clark) and three adult children: Tim Albrecht and Ferhat Algedik, Jane Albrecht, and Jennifer and Jeff Grove; grandchildren Tessa (Addison) Najmy Bieger, Saylor Najmy, Oliver Grove, Elias Najmy, Charles Grove and Harry Grove, and great grandchildren Colette, Charlotte and Rowan Bieger; and one sister, Susan (Jack) Slye.

 David is preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Edna Albrecht, and siblings Dolores (Don)Bohn, Kenneth Albrecht, Phyllis Albrecht, and Shirley (Thomas)Bowen.

 As a young man of seventeen, Dave's mechanical acumen allowed him to travel with his mentor, Herman Behm, to the World Sportscar Championship as part of the 1957 Sebring racing crew team. The experience and confidence Dave gained from working these races under Behm's mentorship served him throughout his life and proved formative to his future endeavors in business and community leadership.

 Dave was co-owner of Barney's Wrecker Service where he specialized in Volkswagen and foreign car repair during the height of the VW Bug's prominence of the 70s. In 1986, Dave found his passion for public service by being elected to represent District 11 on the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors. Throughout his time on the Board, Dave was committed to putting people ahead of politics. As a small business owner, Dave knew firsthand the burdens of regulations and taxes, and he took a common sense approach to helping constituents and working with County officials. Dave's personality and no-nonsense approach to his colleagues propelled him to be elected Vice Chairman of the Board, and in 2004 he was elected Chairman - a position he held for 14 years. Dave's numerous contributions to the advancement of Winnebago County includes the refurbishment of Parkview Health Center, county highway construction, Winnebago Solid Waste programs, expansion of EAA and improvements to the county airport, and chairing the Affirmative Action Committee.  Throughout his service, Dave always meshed fiscally conservative values with compassion and a desire to help the people of Winnebago County.  Looking to broaden Winnebago County's influence on the state level, Dave served on the Wisconsin Counties Association Board of Directors, Wisconsin County Mutual Insurance Board of Directors, the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau Board. 

 Dave taught his grandchildren how to drive, play cribbage and fish.  His property and cabin in Poysippi was his favorite hide-away, and he had a passion for the outdoors that included fishing and hunting. Dave's fried perch was legendary, and he often traveled with frozen perch so that he could host a Wisconsin Fish fry when visiting his daughters in Rhode Island, Virginia, or Up-North with his wife's Card Club.

 The love of Dave's life was his beloved high school sweetheart, Susan. He cherished every day of their 64-year marriage and the family they made together. Dave was immensely proud of his children and taught them that anything is fixable -  from a sink, to a carburetor to a relationship - and that it is our responsibility to repair anything that we broke. Dave's "can-do" approach to life was infectious and will carry on to all those who knew him. Last year, Dave was honored and humbled by Winnebago County dedicating the “David W. Albrecht Administration Building” in recognition of his 38 years of service. Dave was honest and hardworking, and he was always willing to take others under his wing throughout his life. All of us who know him are better for it.  Rest easy David.

 A private funeral is planned. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Otter Street Fishing Club in honor of his passion for fishing on Lake Winnebago. https://www.theosfc.com/donate