DIXON – S. Dean Albrecht, 83, of Dixon, formerly of Ohio, died Monday, July 18, 2011, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

Dean was born March 2, 1928, in Ohio, the son of Henry C. and Harriet (Martin) Albrecht. He was united in marriage to Ann Parker on June 15, 1952, in Urbana. She preceded him in death on Nov. 11, 2005. Together, they had four children, Martha (Dale) Luckey of Athens, Wis., Harold (Romaine) Albrecht and Robert (Donna) Albrecht, both of Ohio, and Lucille (Edward) Smith of Buffalo Grove.

Dean was a graduate of the University of Illinois, Champaign. He served in the Army, stationed at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. While there, he worked with Dr. Werner von Braun to develop both rocket and missile systems for the United States’ defense. Later, this team became the foundation for NASA. Dean was co-owner of Albrecht Well Drilling and Albrecht Farms. He was a member of Red Oak United Methodist Church, Walnut, and a 50-year member of Walnut Masonic Lodge 722 AF & AM.

Dean served on numerous boards in the community and state, including Red Oak UMC, school boards, the Illinois Association of Groundwater Professionals and the Illinois Well Driller Licensing Board. He also served on the National Groundwater Association Board.

He was united in marriage to Patricia L. Wilson on March 12, 1993.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia of Dixon; all four of his children; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert H. (Emma) Albrecht of Harvey; two sisters, Evangeline Guither of Walnut and Freda Martin of LaSalle; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John and Paul; and one sister, Mary Skelton.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., with Masonic rites accorded by Walnut Masonic Lodge 722 AF & AM at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Garland Funeral Home, Walnut. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Red Oak United Methodist Church, Walnut, with the Rev. Katie Voigt, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Red Oak Cemetery, Walnut, with military honors accorded by Walnut American Legion Post 179.

A memorial has been established in his memory to Red Oak United Methodist Church.

Visit www.garlandfuneralhome.com to send condolences.