Richard A. Praetsch, 82, of Woodstock, Vermont, died at the Jack Bryne's Center on 12/10/2024 of poor health.

Son of Robert and Margaret (Ziegler) Praetsch, he was born December 13, 1941 in Needham Massachusetts. He attended the Needham Elementary School and Needham High School.

He married Irma C. Lavalette of Sharon, Vermont, daughter of Martin and Gertrude (Champney) Lavalette, on January 5, 1963.

Richard and his wife lived in Needham, Massachusetts for three years where their two oldest daughters were born. Then they bought a home in Milford, Massachusetts where they lived until 1972 moving back to Sharon, Vermont, where they lived over 30 years before moving to White River Jct., then to Woodstock, Vermont in 2007.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Needham, Massachusetts, Sharon Lodge #105, F & AM of Sharon, Lady Washington Chapter 86, and Order of the Eastern Star in Chelsea, Vermont. He was the Worthy Grand Patron of the Vermont Order of the Eastern Star in 1993 – 1994.  He was a 30+ year member of the Order.

Predeceased by his parents, his wife Irma Praetsch, brother Roland B. Praetsch, sisters; Elsie Viles, Dutchie, Clara Kenefick, nephew Russell Kenefick, sister-in-law Barbara Praetsch, brother-in-laws; Richard Kenefick,, Frederick Viles, and George Soares.

He was a carpenter all his life. He enjoyed working with wood, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, cooking, fishing, and hunting.

His wife of 52 years, three daughters - Linda Moore and husband Leslie of Sharon, Vermont. Wendy Praestch and partner Richard Broughton of White River Junction, Vermont. Paula Welch and husband Jerry of Tunbridge, Vermont.

10 grandchildren – Matthew, Kenneth, Jonathan, Nathaniel, Rachel and Andrew Moore of Sharon, Thomas Ingham and Robert Welch of Tunbridge, Josh of Florida and Ashley of White River Junction.

6 granddaughter-in-laws – Sylvia, Willow, Karina, Hannah Moore of Sharon, Megan Broughton, and Lindsey Ingham.

5 great-grandsons – Maple, Meadow, Ripple, Mason, Zachary

7 great-granddaughters – Eleora, Heidi, Genessa, Sabring, Amelia, Aryah, and Aaliyah.

His sister Louise Soares of East Falmouth, Massachusetts.

Lots of nieces and nephews, through the East Coast and Michael Kenefick of Sharon, Vermont.

There will be no visiting hours or funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dick's memory to the: Anatomical Gifts Program, Department of Anatomy, Dartmouth School of Medicine, Hanover, NH 03755 or Anatomical Gift program, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Vermont College of Medicine,, Given Medical Building, Burlington, VT 05405.