John TRECHTER Obituary (2022) – Spokane, WA

John Edward Trechter passed away peacefully in his home in Spokane Valley, WA on June 17, 2022. Born in Hawaii to military parents, he grew up in the San Francisco Bay area and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Berkeley, CA. Noted by his sisters to be a kind and generous brother, he was the president of his 4-H club and exhibited an early interest in chemistry, making gunpowder and smoke bombs in his unassuming parent’s house. He later moved to Spokane, WA to attend Gonzaga University with the incoming class of ’68. He majored in chemistry and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in science in ’73. In ’72 he joined the Air Force national guard and served for 16 years. He met his wife, Dorothy (Mullen) Trechter, also a Gonzaga grad, in ’69 and they married in ’73. They were married for 49 years. Together they had four children, Angela Dablin (Richard), Chris Trechter (Brie), Mary Trechter, and Nick Trechter.

John worked for Hollister Steir in Spokane. He went on to work for US Testing in Richland, WA. The family moved to Great Falls, MT where he managed an agricultural testing laboratory. He then moved to Billings, MT, and furthered his knowledge and expertise in various types of testing. Wanting to return to Spokane, John accepted a job at TSL Labs in ’79 where he managed the lab for several years before opening his own business, Treclen Laboratories, which he operated for 17 years. With failing health he sold his business and accepted a job with Hanford in Richland, Wa. His job title was client services and there he could utilize the knowledge he’d gained throughout his career. He left his job on permanent disability for the last seven years of his life.

His greatest joy was his faith and family and most of his free time was spent with his children and later his six grandchildren: Johnny, Quinn, Presley, Sawyer, Berkley, and Sammy. His family remembers him as a lover of music, animals, and nature. Always a mad scientist in the kitchen, his love for food and generous nature made him an eager provider for friends and family. Outdoor adventures were his favorite: taking walks and drives, camping, fishing, and finding a zoo in any town he visited. He loved to tell corny jokes and sing in his unique range. He avidly pursued and loved God and modeled this love for his family throughout his life.

He is survived by his sister Terry Citro, and Mary Lehr. He was preceded in death by his sister Catherine Pariani, and parents Ann and John Trechter.

John’s family would like to thank all of the wonderful doctors, nurses, and caregivers who passed through his life during his time of illness, especially the staff of the Hospice of Spokane. Your skill, patience, and warmth were wonderful! Our love and prayers go out to you.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 30th from 4-7 pm at Hennessey funeral home on Division St., immediately followed by a rosary at 7. The funeral will take place on Friday, July 1st at 10 am at Mary Queen Parish in Spokane, WA.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Jun. 26, 2022.

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