Date of Death: October 26, 2023
Service Details
Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 56050 Buckhorn Rd., Three Rivers. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor James Smith officiating. He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery.
Obituary Notice
David Frederick Recher, 94, of Three Rivers, passed away Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Edgewood Health & Rehabilitation.
He was born October 19, 1929, in Terre Haute, Indiana, the son of the Rev. John M. and Mildred (Summit) Recher Sr., and lived in Ohio and Massachusetts until the family moved to Michigan in 1946. He graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1948 and became a carpenter, working with his father-in-law, David York, and brother-in-law, Phillip York.
David served his country as a weapons mechanic (armorer) in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict.
On July 2, 1950, he was united in marriage to Mary York in a ceremony at St. John’s Lutheran Church officiated by his father, Pastor John Recher. David and Mary were blessed with 73 years of marriage.
David held several jobs, but was best known as St. Joseph County 3rd District Court Administrator. Over the years at the Court, he made many lifelong friends.
He was an outdoorsman, woodworker, and artist whose paintings have been donated to organizations in the community. As a faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, he was involved in many activities, including lay ministry. He taught, and was involved in, many Bible studies until his recent illness. He also participated, along with his wife, Mary, in the Three Rivers Community Players, and after their retirement, they enjoyed traveling, both in the United States and overseas. He touched many lives both personally and professionally.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary Recher; sons, Eric (Janet) Recher and Peter Recher; daughter, Rachel (John) Evans; granddaughters, Mary Moore, Kyrah (Bill) Burns, and Courtney Evans; 6 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, the Rev. John M. Recher Jr. and Robert A. Recher Sr.; and a foster sister, Grace Marple.
Additional Information
Donations in David’s memory may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lutheran World Relief, or the South Michigan Food Bank. Envelopes are available at Hohner Funeral Home and at the church.
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Dave was always a great man. Kind, generous and most importantly a great man of God. I always felt at peace when we would have conversations. He mentored both my daughters and will always have a special place in my heart. Mary, I wish peace for you and your family. Hugs to the family
Having known Dave and Mary through his Lay Ministry education Dave was an inspiration. He was a person of great faith and quite involved in the church and I was always impressed with his great knowledge. Well brother, you are now home and can claim the big prize. Mary and family may peace that exceeds all human understanding be with you during this challenging time.
Dave was an inspiration to all and he touched many lives. I am grateful for having known him. God’s peace to his family. He was a powerful yet gentle purveyor of God’s love.
David was, and continues to be, a great light in my life. Through his faith, David blessed and enriched every life he touched, and he will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to David’s beautiful wife, Mary, and to all his amazing family. David’s legacy of love continues through them.
David was the most precious modern day saint I have ever met. Knowing him gave me and so many others pure joy. His faith was contagious even without spoken words.
My life was enriched greatly in knowing him.
He will live on in beautiful and inspiring ways.
His family will continue to be an inspiration.