WATKINS:  Bryce Joseph Brecht, age 59, passed away on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at Unity Point St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids following a tragic heavy machinery accident.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 9 ^th , 2021, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Norway from 3:00 until 7:00 PM.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, September 10 ^th , 2021 also at St. Michael's, with Rev. Craig Steimel as Celebrant.  Interment will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Blairstown.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Blairstown EMS or St. Patrick's or St. Michael's parishes.

Bryce was born September 26, 1961, the son of Edwin and Eileen (LaTour) Brecht. He grew up on the family farm near Watkins and graduated from Benton Community High School in 1980.  He furthered his education at Northeast Missouri State, graduating with a B.S. in Accounting.  After college, Bryce returned home to farm with his father, and also drove truck for Ballard Trucking.   On August 1, 1992, he was united in marriage to Shelly Huedepohl in Williamsburg.

Farming was Bryce's passion, operating a cow/calf operation, raising corn and beans, as well as custom baling.  He was able to purchase the adjoining farm and welcome his son Tanner to farming for three generations of Brecht's on their Century Farm.  He was a lifelong member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Watkins and was an accomplished vocalist, singing for weddings and funerals at the churches as well as singing with his son Tanner at community events.  Bryce loved to serve others and was a member of the Blairstown EMS.  He also donated over 50 gallons of platelets at the Mississippi Valley Blood Center in Cedar Rapids.  His family was his greatest joy, and Bryce loved to attend their sports and musical events.  He also coached Future Stars Basketball for his daughter Kelsey.

He is survived by his wife Shelly; children, Kelsey Brecht of Cedar Rapids, Tanner (special friend Nicole) of Watkins; his parents, Ed and Eileen Brecht of Watkins; sister Theresa Werner of Cedar Rapids; many special nieces and nephews; his father-in-law Dennis Huedepohl of Williamsburg; brothers-in-law Scott (Andrea) Huedepohl, Jeff (Gretchen) Huedepohl; sister-in-law Kristin (Andrew) Ward.

He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Connie Huedepohl.

Online Condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com