Paul Brecht

Dr. Paul Francis Brecht, DDS, 82, of Troy, Michigan, passed away peacefully shortly after receiving the Sacrament of the Sick by Fr. Joe, pastor of St. Kieran on May 7, 2024, with his family at his side. Paul was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 15, 1941, to Lloyd and Mary Brecht. Paul spent his childhood in Grosse Pointe, MI, attending St. Paul’s Elementary. After graduating from Austin Catholic Preparatory School in 1959, he went on to earn an undergraduate degree majoring in chemistry at the University of Detroit, graduating in 1962. After yet another four years at U of D, he finished the requirements in the school of dentistry to complete a DDS in 1966. Following dental school, Paul was not satisfied with just being a member of the American Dental Association, Detroit District. He chose to “serve” in a Labor Relations committee. Then after moving to Macomb County, he became associate editor of the Macomb County Dental Association Journal. Later, he pursued a role as editor of the Macomb Dental Association Journal for four years. His service to others continued for a one-year term as treasurer of the Macomb Dental Society, followed by a one-year term as president of the Macomb Dental Society. He pursued another unique experience as a delegate to the state convention. Broadening his vision, Paul expanded his knowledge by attending the Las Vegas Institute for advanced dental studies. He also contributed his expanded knowledge in the field of dentistry by serving on the peer review committee. Through his extended service, Paul gained life member status in three areas: Macomb County, Michigan, and American Dental Associations. His commitment to dentistry allowed him to evolve and serve his patients using best practices for 50 years. Paul’s zeal and dedication to serve others extended to the community. April 1st marked 49 years of membership in the Utica-Shelby Kiwanis organization. He served as president in the club. His participation earned him the legion of honor pin and plaque. He was also honored by becoming an esteemed International Hixson recipient. Within his family he provided support and encouragement to his children. Following his three children in their sports’ activities was a joyous event, coaching teams along the way. He extended this feeling years later by studying the ten grandchildren’s sports’ schedules and attending as many events as possible. Paul was happiest when spending time with his family and friends and traveling many nooks of God’s Earth with his special lady and wife of 23 years, JoAnne. One of the greatest challenges Paul met was on the golf course. It seemed like each round brought a different challenge in an invigorating way. His love of nature brought him to his knees in JoAnne and his gardens marveling at the inherent beauty of God’s creation. His curiosity, in general, often found him reading in search of yet one more relevant fact. His service also extended to his family by his gifted hands. Skilled in fine motor coordination, he used his Mr. Fix-It qualities by installing Ring Doorbells, laying tiling on floors or backsplash behind counters, hanging cupboards or hanging pictures with level precision. Doing these jobs put smiles on both his face and those for whom he was helping. In September 2023 Paul’s absolute giving of himself reached its highest pinnacle when he volunteered, offering his body as a medium for a clinical research study in the field of prostate cancer. This commitment over the last seven months was at a great cost to self. His desire to participate despite the unfriendly outcomes never wavered. He desperately wanted to pay it forward with his underlying deepest hope that in doing so, he too would go forward. He gave it his ALL until 11:09 pm on May 7th, 2024, ending as St. Paul wrote in his second letter to Timothy, chapter 4:8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Paul leaves behind his loving wife, Josetta “JoAnne” Brecht nee Fix; children: Jim (Melissa) Brecht, Phil (Nicole) Brecht, Ellen (Eric) Jordan, Greg Zub and Becky (Bryan) Eckstein; grandchildren: Alexis Brecht, Abbie (Matt) Moore, Gavin Brecht, James Eckstein, Philip Brecht, Avery Brecht, Joseph Zub, Jackson Eckstein, Ava Brecht, Emery Jordan; siblings: Geraldine Brecht, Ann (Tom) Stock, Tom (Mary Ann) Brecht, Mark (Mary) Brecht, Greg (Michelle) Brecht; as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends and fur-friend, Bailey. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Mary Brecht; and his brothers, Fr. David Brecht OSA, and John Brecht. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to The Midwest Augustinians (https://www.midwestaugustinians.org/donate) OR Prostate Cancer Foundation (https://www.pcf.org/) in remembrance of Paul and his efforts to assist both causes.

Paul Brecht

May 15, 1941 - May 7, 2024