Donald Ray Precechtel

12/28/1941 — 11/09/2024

Public Viewing

Starts:
Tue, November 26, 2024, 10:00 am
Ends:
Tue, November 26, 2024, 12:00 pm
Location:
Einan’s At Sunset Funeral Home
915 Bypass Highway Bldg. H Richland, WA 99352

Celebration of Life

Starts:
Tue, November 26, 2024, 12:00 pm
Ends:
Tue, November 26, 2024, 1:00 pm
Location:
Einan’s At Sunset Funeral Home
915 Bypass Highway Bldg. H Richland, WA 99352
  Watch:

Committal Service

Starts:
Tue, November 26, 2024, 1:00 pm
Ends:
Tue, November 26, 2024, 2:00 pm
Location:
Sunset Gardens
915 Bypass Highway Richland, WA 99352
Website:
Visit   Sunset Gardens
  Watch:

Reception

Starts:
Tue, November 26, 2024, 2:00 pm
Ends:
Tue, November 26, 2024, 4:00 pm
Location:
The Lodge at Columbia Point
530 Columbia Point Drive Richland ,WA 99352

Donald Ray Precechtel

DONALD RAY PRECECHTEL

Don passed away November 9, 2024, in the presence of loving family members. He was born December 28, 1941, in Nocona, Texas to Konstantine (Connie/Lucky) and Peggy Sue Hillard. Don’s early school years were spent in Texas. His family moved often because his father Lucky served in the military. His junior high years were spent in San Fransisco. These were important years to Don as this was the first school where he was able to spend three full years without having to move! During this time Don was awarded a trophy for All City Athlete of the Year. He excelled in track and his trophy is still on display at Aptos Junior High. Go Tigers! The family arrived at Camp Hanford in 1957. Don graduated from Richland High School (Col-Hi) and married the love of his life Jannette. They had 60 wonderful years together before Jannette passed away in 2019.

Their little family moved to Kent, WA in 1966, where Don worked at Boeing until they returned to Richland in 1974, where he was employed at Hanford as a principal engineer. During this busy time, Don earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from Washington State University. Go Cougs! He retired February 2002. Don and Jannette thoroughly enjoyed their motor home trips to Cougar games, the Oregon Coast, and vacations to other western states. Their cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, and the trip through the Panama Canal are among their favorite memories, along with their trip to Slovakia.

Don loved to ski and looked forward each year to the “guys” ski trip. After retiring he loved reading historical books. One of his favorite pastimes was watching documentaries on the History Channel. Over the past years Don and Jannette were “Snow Birds” in Yuma, AZ, where they spent time with family and friends. Don loved golfing and playing cards, and just enjoying the sunshine away from the brrrr cold freeze of the Tri Cities.

Don was always ready to lend a helping hand. He truly had a heart of gold. His family brought him the greatest joy. He loved being a Grandpa. Don loved all the pool parties Jannette and he hosted over the years. He enjoyed being the Master Barbecuer.  Almost all the young family members learned to swim in their pool.

Don is preceded in death by his parents Lucky and Peggy Precechtel, his loving wife Jannette, his brother Carl “Sparky,” brothers in-law Bob Leanderson and Bob Miles.

Don was loved and will be missed by his daughter and son-in-law Kelly and Thomas Bright, and his son Michael; grandchildren Danielle and Steven Loskot, Makena, Jordan, Ashley, Cody, and great grandsons Thomas and Curtis. His sisters and brothers-in-law Joann and J.R. Wilbur, Connie and Dick Beutler, Peggy Leanderson, and Sharon Miles. His sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Dorothy Hout, Marion and Jim Morgan, and Charlene and Mike Helle; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Don would not want you to mourn him but remember the good times and there were many.

On Tuesday, November 26, the family invites you for a viewing at Einan’s at Sunset Funeral Home from   10 am to 12, with Don’s memorial service to follow.

“No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye, you were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why.” Author unknown.

Knowing that Don and Jannette are reunited and in God’s loving grace, we are at peace.

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Donald Ray Precechtel

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  • Don it was always pleasure to see you the few times I did. Your kids are great people and I’m sure you had something to do with that. Thank you Don. Rest in peace. Many hugs to the family.

    Cindi Osborn
    November 26, 2024
    Benton city, Wa.
  • Being Mike Precechtel’s friend since our teenage years, Don was always a presence in my youth. Yes, Michael and I would get into some trouble, but Don was always forgiving, and guide us in the right direction. That’s what I will remember most about him. Our hearts go out to his extended and loving family.

    Robert and Torii Guettler
    November 26, 2024
    Seattle
  • Mike and family,
    We are sorry for your loss. Your dad seems like he was a good family man, and also blessed with loyal friends.
    Condolences,
    Dave and Lori Saueressig
    Class of 81 HHS

    Lori & Dave
    November 21, 2024
    Richland
  • Over the past several years as my big brother, we have grown very close and you will always hold a special place in my heart. We have had lots of fun times, building many memories and sharing adventures on our travels in the RV’s every winter to Yuma. You were always willing to help anyone, any place when needed. Even though I would tease you and call you, “the absent minded professor” or “Mr. Magoo”, you are greatly loved by us. We will deeply miss you, but know that you are once again with the love of your life, Jannette, mom, dad and Sparky. You maybe gone but you will never be forgotten. All my love, little sis…

    Connie Beutler
    November 20, 2024
    Richland, Wa.
  • He made a terrible sandwich, but always shared his cookies. Always fun to be around. He will be missed.

    Chris
    November 20, 2024
    Robinson
  • Prayers to you and your family Mike. Your Dad was a good man!

    Bob Bowe
    November 19, 2024
    Cody, Wy
  • Looking forward to celebrating his wonderful life.

    Tina Branson
    November 19, 2024
    Kennewick
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