Richard J. “Dick” Obrecht, 90 of Ashland passed from this life early Tuesday morning, August 4, 2026 in Brethren Care Village following a year of declining health.
Dick was born on May 28, 1936 in Ashland the son of the late, Richard and Leota (nee Bernhard) Obrecht.
He graduated from Loudonville High School, Class of 1954. Dick furthered his education and earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1960 from Ohio University. He would later earn his master’s degree in guidance counseling from Penn State University in 1964.
He married the love of his life, the former Carol Stewart on October 26, 1958.
Dick retired after more than 25 years from Ashland University as registrar in 1999. He was previously employed at Ashland High School as a guidance counselor, and he previously taught history and government at Ruggles-Troy and at Mapleton.
Throughout his life, Dick was an avid volunteer. For more than 25 years, he volunteered at Samaritan Hospital at the welcome desk, refilled the EMT lounge, a mail distributor, and the cardiac registration. He was the 2016 recipient of the Samaritan Heart of Giving Award acknowledging his hours of dedication. Dick was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir, tended to the rose garden, music secretary, money counter, and proudly served on the church council. He was also a 50-year member of the Ashland Noon Lion’s Club, a Melvin Jones recipient and Lion of the Year; and a member of the Ashland Amateur Radio Club.
For more than 33 years, he was a score keeper for Ashland Highschool basketball and ran the clock for both Ashland University and Ashland High School football.
Dick is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mrs. Carol Obrecht of Ashland; one daughter, Kathy (Steve) Shelly of Ashland; three grandchildren, Andy (Megan) Shelly of Ashland, Emily (Michael) Smith of Ashland, Jeremy (Sarah) Obrecht of Atlanta, Georgia; two great grandchildren, Jonathan Shelly of Ashland and Ashton Obrecht of Atlanta, Georgia; and two nephews, Jon (Angie) Obrecht of Ashland and Craig (Kathy) Obrecht of Loudonville.
In addition to his parents, Dick is preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Obrecht; a grandson, Joshua Obrecht; and his brother, C. Duane (Sandy) Obrecht.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Trinity Lutheran Church with Reverend Kevin McClain presiding. A private interment will be in the Pioneer Cemetery. Family and friends may visit on Friday, August 7, 2026, in the Trinity Lutheran Church Home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Music Fund, 508 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805 or the Ashland Noon Lions Club.
For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com