Marlin Albrecht

Marlin Edward Albrecht, 93, of Spring City, TN, passed away on January 29, 2024 with two of his daughters by his side. He was born in New Hartford, MN on May 12, 1930 to Wesley and Edrie Albrecht. After serving for 21 years both in the Army (2 yrs) and Air Force (19 yrs), he retired as a Tech Sgt E-6 on October 1, 1970. He was very proud of his service as Crew Chief with the 22nd Air Refueling Squadron for the KC-97 Refuelers, and while stationed at March Air Force Base in 1958, he was part of the SAC crew who performed in the historical and record setting endurance flight in support of the "Ice Island" operation. He was a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After retiring, he was self-employed and engaged in several business ventures including owning an automatic car wash, check cashing stores, rental and property investments, and gold mining, to name a few.

There were two hobbies Marlin loved more than anything -- airplanes and motorcycles. He studied to get his private pilot's license at age 56. He was an avid motorcycle rider until this past year, and it truly was the Fountain of Youth for him. He was never happier than when on a motorcycle -- he would say "it is the next best thing to flying". He also enjoyed working in his yard, landscaping, planting trees and working on projects. If he was able, he was active outside. An apt phrase to sum him up would be "All I want are a few kind words and a smile!".

Marlin Albrecht was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Edrie Albrecht, and brother Melvin Albrecht.

He is survived by his former wife and mother of his children Evelyn Albrecht, twin brother Marvin (Darlene) Albrecht, and brother Mike (Melba) Albrecht; sisters Marilyn Bell, and Maxine (Will) Mormon; daughter Nancy Christopher, son Jeff (Nancy) Albrecht, daughters Vicky Kells and Stephanie (Roger) Myers; four grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his special friend of 19 years, Elizabeth Swafford.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at the Decatur SDA Church, Decatur, TN at 11:00 a.m. Marlin's ashes will be interred at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN at a later date, to be determined by the family.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Marlin and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Athens is honored to assist his family with these arrangements.