David Fecht

David Claude Fecht passed away peacefully on May 25, 2018 with his wife by his side at Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio. He was born November 2, 1936 in Austin, Minnesota to David Walter Fecht and Helen Gertrude Hallman. He grew up in Waterloo, Iowa, graduating from West High. His careers encompassed patternmaking, two years in the U.S. Navy, and a Mechanical Engineering degree from Iowa State University. Following engineering employment with Westinghouse Research in Pittsburgh he had a lengthy career as a Biomedical Engineer in a hospital cardiac research unit and in medical product development companies. Additionally he owned and operated the RGS Grease Service Company in Iowa. His career led him through five states. Upon retirement in 1994 he began a volunteering period with Habitat for Humanity, Life Care Alliance, the Literacy Council, as a tutor in elementary schools, and as an Elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church. He relished racing dirt bikes, fishing, collecting and repairing antique clocks, quilting, creating stained glass, playing his harmonica, baking breads, making pastas and soups, photographing birds and flowers, loving 2 dogs and 4 cats, and writing coil-bound volumes of his life and his philosophy. Dave is survived by his wife, Marilyn Schmitt, of nearly 43 years marrying on October 25, 1975 in Wilkinsburg, PA.

He is survived by sisters, Nancy Parker and Judith Gillespie and many cousins. Two children from his first marriage, David Lewis and Cheryl Vincent, their spouses, Katie Lewis and Mark Vincent. Four Grand-children: Diana Bennett, Ian Lewis, Kiley Klein, Elizabeth Vincent and six great grandchildren. Also survived by brother-in-law James Schmitt, Peggy Noecker, three nieces, Ann, Emily, Michelle, three nephews, Tony, Eric, Raymond who love him beyond telling. He was preceded in death by his step-father William Swingen, Jane Schmitt, Roy Parker, Kenney Gillespie and four nephews. Dave always met his life's challenges with steady purpose, resilience, quiet strength, and a desire to both follow his passions and to share himself in many ways. Family feels his absence as we see the chair empty of our steady man. The quiet man. He carried his affection deeply in his heart. A strong, good man who will resonate in our hearts the rest of our lives.

The family thanks the staff of Kobacker for the extraordinary care and support for Dave and Marilyn throughout the past 4 years. Services will be held at Egan Ryan Funeral location at 4661 Kenny Road on Friday, June 1st with visitation at 6:00 p.m. and service at 7:00 p.m. Interment will be at Trinity Cemetery in Erie, Pennsylvania on Saturday, June 2nd at 3:30 p.m. Contributions in memoriam can be made to Kobacker House and Covenant Presbyterian Church.

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