Deer Park Area News and Events


Prescott, Hager City Soldier Casualty
PIERCE COUNTY HERALD, ELLSWORTH, WI

Denise Albrecht has never met her new daughter-in-law, Crystal. Now, almost a year after the wedding, the two will finally get a chance to exchange a hug this weekend, but under less-than-ideal circumstances. Crystal is flying in from her home in Alaska to attend her husband Jesse Albrecht's funeral in Glenwood City. His home address at the time of his death was listed as Hagar City, but Albrecht was born in River Falls and graduated from Prescott High School. U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jesse Albrecht (Pollei), 31, was killed in Iskandariyah, Iraq, May 17 when an improvised bomb exploded near his vehicle. Two others soldiers - one from Arizona and one from California - died as a result of the incident.


Family Honors, Remembers Fallen New Richmond Soldier
Reporter: Katie Heinz
Email Address: katie.heinz@weau.com

The family of a Western Wisconsin soldier who died in Iraq last week is speaking out about the man they remember as kind, funny and mischievous.

31-year-old Sergeant 1st Class Jesse Albrecht served with the Army for almost 14 years.

For the past few, he served with the 725th Brigade, based at Fort Richardson in Alaska.

Jesse had just built a home there with his wife, Crystal, when he was deployed to Iraq in October.

But an improvised explosive device landed near Albrecht's vehicle Thursday morning, cutting his life, and the lives of two other soldiers short.

Jesse Albrecht's family remembers him as someone who could turn any situation into a positive one.

"He could always make you smile, make you laugh no matter what the situation was," said Jesse's sister, Kathie Sylte. "He always had something funny to make you smile."

Jesse grew up all over Western Wisconsin, most recently calling New Richmond home.

A determined man, Jesse's family says he joined the army during his junior year at Prescott High School.

"He was proud to be in the service," Sylte said. "He took it seriously. It was his job."

Although he couldn't come home to visit often, Jesse's family says he always made time for family: e-mailing his brother and sisters often, calling his mother several times a week.

"He always would say: tell everyone I'm alive and kickin'," said Jesse's mother, Denise Albrecht. "That's always how he ended it."

And serving as a wonderful father to his 11-year-old daughter Salina.

"Even though he was where he was, he was always there for you," Sylte said. "Any free minute he had, he spent with her."

And Jesse's mother says his dedication to his batallion was evident, by the letter a fellow comrade planned to read at Jesse's memorial service on the base Tuesday:

"He was a true leader of soldiers," the letter reads. "He set the standard so high that no one else came close to his accomplishments."

And Jesse's family says they're still having a difficult time understanding the man who could light up a room with his smile is gone.

"One of the first questions I first asked was are you 100 percent sure it's him," Sylte said.

Funeral arrangements are set for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Glenwood City, but the service will be private.


Area soldier dies in Iraq
RiverTown Newspaper Group
Published Monday, May 21, 2007
Denise Albrecht has never met her new daughter-in-law, Crystal.

But now, almost a year after the wedding, the two will finally get a chance to exchange a hug this weekend, but under less-than-ideal circumstances.

Crystal is flying in from her home in Alaska to attend husband Jesse Albrecht’s funeral service in Glenwood City.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jesse Albrecht, 31, holds a Flat Sarah which was sent to him in Iraq from his niece in New Richmond. Albrecht sent the Flat Sarah back and it was enjoyed by her entire class. submitted photo

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jesse Albrecht, 31, holds a Flat Sarah which was sent to him in Iraq from his niece in New Richmond. Albrecht sent the Flat Sarah back and it was enjoyed by her entire class. submitted photo

“What a way to meet,” Denise said in an interview Monday.

Family members say that U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jesse Albrecht, 31, was killed in Iraq May 17 in a roadside bomb attack.

“It was senseless and shouldn’t have happened,” Denise said. “We shouldn’t be over there.”

Denise said the 12-year veteran of the U.S. Army has often been in harm’s way. He completed a dangerous four-month tour of duty in Afghanistan prior to his recent deployment in Iraq.

Denise said she was always concerned for his safety, but always expected him to come home.

“I guess I never thought it would get this close to home,” Denise said.

Jesse was born in River Falls.

He was a 1994 graduate of Prescott High School, although he attended school in New Richmond a short time in 1987-88. He also attended Glenwood City schools for a time.

Jesse joined the Army the year he graduated from high school.

Albrecht was assigned to the 725th Brigade Support Battalion of the 25th Infantry Division which is based at Fort Richardson, Alaska, just outside of Anchorage. He was a certified jump master in the service.

Family members say Albrecht was planning a career out of the military. He planned to retire from the service in eight years and remain in Alaska where he enjoyed winter activities and the wilderness.

A funeral service is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Glenwood City.


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