Richard Claude Albrecht, a beloved family man, teacher, principal, and friend passed away in St George, Utah on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on February 1, 1945, in Milford, Utah, Richard was the son of David Milton and Reva Hollingshead Albrecht.

Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He married the love of his life, Penny Stapley in the St. George temple. They celebrated their 59th anniversary on September 10. His family was the center of his life, and he leaves behind a legacy of love and commitment.

A lifelong resident of Utah, Richard's passion for education was evident throughout his career. He attended Minersville Elementary and Beaver High School before earning his bachelor's degree from Southern Utah State College (SUU) and his master's degree from Utah State University. He began his teaching career in Las Vegas, Nevada at Cashman Junior High before returning to Utah. He managed the Minersville Cow Palace dairy for five years. He owned and managed the Minersville Merc for eight years. He then taught at Milford Elementary and Belknap Elementary and later served as the principal of Beaver High School and Minersville Elementary. He was also the Special Education Director for the Beaver School District for several years.

A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Richard held many callings throughout his life. As a young man, he served in the Cumorah New York mission. He was a Seventy Mission Leader, a high councilman, counselor in bishoprics, a stake presidency, and branch presidency, as well as a primary teacher and a scout leader.

After retirement, Richard and Penny served an 18-month mission as Church Educational System (CES) missionaries in the islands of Vanuatu. Following that mission, they served as missionaries in South Carolina.

Richard loved being in the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time Out West, a place that held special meaning for him.  He loved to fish and his best fishing buddy was Penny. He would get her pole ready and bait her hook and cast out. When she brought her fish in, he would take it off and start over while she read a book.

His gentle spirit and enduring love for his family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His unwavering love for the Savior was the foundation of his character.

Richard is survived by his wife, Penny, and their children: Lesa (Bret) Taylor of Mapleton, Utah; David (Chantelle) Albrecht of Beaver, Utah; Heather (Jerad) Wittwer of St George, Utah; Andrea (Jeff) Brinkerhoff of Tropic, Utah; Melissa (Nate) Blackner of Annabella, Utah; and Heidi (Brooke) Shakespeare of Cedar City, Utah. His siblings are Douglas, Calvin (Bonnie), Ranae (Rex) Williams, Jill (Tom) Stephenson, and Russell (Wendy). He was also a proud grandfather to 27 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, and infant brother Lellon.

Special thanks to the helping hands at Abbington Assisted Living and Summit Hospice for the love and care shown at this time.

Funeral services will be held in Minersville, Utah on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with a viewing prior from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Minersville Stake Center located at 130 West Main Street. Interment will follow in Minersville Cemetery.

Those unabale to attend are invited to view the services at the following ZOOM link: Livestream