Alfred J. Albrecht, Phd

Alfred J. Albrecht, PhD, 84, of Goshen, died early Monday morning, June 23, 2008, at Goshen General Hospital where he had been a patient since last Wednesday. He was born in Middlebury, Indiana, on January 22, 1924, to Aaron and Kathryn (Hooley) Albrecht.  He married Miriam M. Sutter on June 10, 1951, in Hopedale, Illinois.  She survives. A lifelong resident of Elkhart County, Mr. Albrecht graduated from Goshen College in 1950.  He went on to receive a master’s degree from Purdue University in 1958 and his doctorate degree from Indiana University in 1965.  A professor of communication, h e taught for 30 years – 23 years at Goshen College, four years at Indiana University and three years at the University of Vermont. A member of College Mennonite Church, he was the first president of Aux Chandelles in 1964 (now ADEC) and served on their board; he served as a board member for many years for Elcose Credit Union in Elkhart, as Executive Secretary  for the Intercollegiate Peace Speech Association; and as parliamentarian for many years for Mennonite General Assemblies. He is survived by his wife, Miriam; a daughter Trish (James) Yoder of Goshen; a son, James “Jamie” (Coralyn) Albrecht of Goshen; four grandchildren; a sister, Luella (Lavern) Gerig of South Bend; and two brothers, Willard (Mary) Albrecht of Indianapolis and Leonard (Shirley) Albrecht of Goshen. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 25, in the Koinonia Room at College Mennonite Church, Goshen. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at College Mennonite Church.  Pastor Klaudia Smucker will officiate. A private family burial will take place in Violett Cemetery, Goshen, prior to the memorial service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mennonite Historical Library or Donor’s Choice.