Frederick M. “Fred” Prechtl, 92, Ridgway

Frederick M. “Fred” Prechtl, 92, of 3553 Ridgway-St. Marys Rd., Daguscahonda, passed away Monday evening, April 14, 2025 at Penn Highlands-Elk, St. Marys, following a brief illness. He was born on September 28, 1932 in Daguscahonda, a son to the late Frederick M. Prechtl, Sr. and Viola Krieg Prechtl. In October of 1956 in Johnsonburg, he married Mary Ann Villella and she survives.

A lifelong resident of Daguscahonda, he attended elementary school there. He was a graduate of Ridgway High School. Fred’s biggest love in his life was his grandchildren and their sporting events, having rarely missed one. He was always there for his family and was very proud of being a Korean War Veteran. He was a multiple time state champ at horseshoes, an avid bowler, and in 2023, at age 90, he became a track star, competing in Nationals in the 90-95 age group. Next to his family, his great love was hunting and trapping, always looking for his next trophy, which he always achieved. Fred’s favorite teams were the “Raiders” and Pirates and he never missed a game.

Fred had retired from GTE Sylvania as an incandescent mechanic after many decades of service. He had also worked for Hyde-Murphy Company in his younger years.

A Korean Era Army Vet, Fred served overseas as a Corporal with Co C, 22 Div, 3rd Infantry Regt.

In addition to his wife, Fred is survived by his children, Richard Prechtl of Ridgway, Theresa Salberg (Michael) of Wilcox, Douglas Prechtl (Pauline) of Daguscahonda, Donna Nussbaum (Randy), of St. Marys and Judi Jones (David) of Wilcox, his grandchildren, Michael Prechtl (Ashley), Maria Jones, Julia Jones, Brady Nussbaum and Colby Nussbaum and his great-grandchildren, Austin, Landry and Brooks Prechtl.

He is also survived by siblings Mary Samick of Erie, Helen Lenox of St. Marys, Margie Gerg (Babe) of Toby and Thomas Prechtl (Margaret) of Ridgway, a daughter-in-law, Loretta Pasi, of Ridgway and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Fred is predeceased by sisters Freida Cassels, Carolyn Saline and Shirley Prechtl in infancy, and brothers, Albert “Albie” Prechtl, Richard “Dickey” Prechtl and Kenneth Prechtl.

Friends and family are asked to attend a Mass of Christian Burial for Frederick M. “Fred” Prechtl, Jr. to be conducted at Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg, on Tuesday April 22, at 10 AM, with Fr. David Wilson, Pastor as celebrant. Interment will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery. There will be no visitation.

Arrangements are under direction of the Anthony F. Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Chestnut Street, Johnsonburg.

Military Honors will be accorded by the Johnsonburg-Wilcox Servicemen’s Detail. Detail members are asked to assemble at the funeral home on Tuesday morning at 9:15 AM.

Memorial contributions in Fred’s name can be made to the Korean War Veteran’s Assn. at kwva.us/donate