Dieter R. Preece, 64, Enjoyed Model Trains
Dieter R. Preece, 64, of Lorain passed away on Friday, February 25, 2011at the Cleveland VA Medical Center, Wade Park Campus after a courageous battle with cancer for 3 years.
Mr. Preece was born in Furth, Germany on October 5, 1946, the son of the late Marie Henriette Franziska Strobel. He moved to the United States when he was 9 years old to live with his mother, step father and 3 sisters. He became a citizen of the United States on February 24, 1964.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and trained at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He became a Ranger and served from 1966 - 1969 in Vietnam. He received 2 Purple Heart Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.
Mr. Preece was employed at Ford Motor Company and drove semi-trucks for several companies, last working for I.P.C. in Elyria. He was a member of several social clubs in Lorain, Open Hearth Club, Crystal Rock and the former RussoSlav Club.
Mr. Preece enjoyed model trains, watching the military channel, military history and soul music especially, Marvin Gaye and the Temptations.
He is survived by his friend and companion of 27 years, Mary (Margie) Stahl of Lorain, sisters Lora L. Wolfert of Ft. Meyers, FL, Diana L. Wilson of Grafton, and Terri J. Battle of Elyria and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his step father Tom Preece and his younger sister Karen Preece.
Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 from 2 until 7 p.m. in the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain. A celebration of Dieter's life will follow visitation at 7:00 p.m. Interment will be private.
Online condolences at www. boyer-cool.com.