William "Bill" Allen Albrecht

William “Bill” Allen Albrecht, 69, of Great Falls, passed away in the early hours of March 8, 2021, in his home following a long battle with Parkinson’s and months of medical and home hospice care. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 12, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. at O’Connor Funeral Home with a reception to follow. Bill was born on March 14, 1951, in Great Lakes, Illinois, to William and Harriet Albrecht. As a child born into a military lifestyle, he had fond memories of home being in many places, especially Guam. Later, his father retired, and his family settled in Great Falls. Here, he attended both high schools and made many lifelong friends before he graduated from Great Falls High in 1969. Then, he attended Western to play football on a scholarship. Bill’s love for connecting and talking with others led him to his true calling in sales. For many of his beginning years and to no complaint of his kids and their friends, he worked for a gum, candy, and mint manufacturer and was lovingly known as the “candy man.” Following his stint as a convenience store owner of Gilligan’s Island, he moved into kitchen design and equipment sales as a part owner of Great Falls J & V Restaurant and Fire Supply. Bill wanted to be remembered through memories shared with his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends for his sense of humor, generosity, and love. Through the years, he most enjoyed playing and watching loved ones play sports. He relished his time spent with his friends, brothers, and nephew playing softball and racquetball, and greatly adored fishing, boating, and hunting with them and his children. In the last twenty years of his life, he formed an unexpected and special bond with a group of friends called the “Marshalls” and their wives. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Fran; his children, Will (Danielle) Albrecht of Killdeer, North Dakota, Wes Albrecht of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Andrea (Jake) Thares of Great Falls; six grandchildren, Reese, Liam, and Lucien Albrecht, Emry and Holter Albrecht, and Millee Thares; brother, Terry (Pennee) Albrecht of Great Falls; sister-in-law, Midge Albrecht of Boise, Idaho; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; and his brother, Chuck Albrecht. Memorials in Bill’s name can be made to the Parkinson’s or Diabetes Foundation. Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.