Dwayne Edward Albrecht, 70, of St. Anthony Park, died Dec. 12 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was the founder of Albrecht Company. He grew up on a farm near Brownton, Minn., which gave him a respect for land and animals. He was a graduate of the University of Minnesota, with a degree in soil science. Dwayne’s talent for innovation brought him to the attention of professor Donald Baker, with whom he created the Weather Station at the research plots on the St. Paul campus. While still in college, Dwayne began Albrecht Landscape Company and purchased a home in St. Anthony Park near the St. Paul campus. As his business grew, he hired many young people from the neighborhood, often for their first work experience. He and his wife, Joy, raised their sons in St. Anthony Park. Dwayne enjoyed transporting bands in the Fourth of July parade for many years. Dwayne nurtured his landscape business into Albrecht Company and was proud that his sons are continuing to manage the company. His work was important to him and the impact of his numerous projects gave him great satisfaction. Dwayne is survived by his wife, Joy; sons, Raymond (Kate) of Falcon Heights and Edward (Tammy) of St. Anthony Park; three grandchildren; mother, Norma; brother, Donald; sisters, Diane Albrecht and Karen (Bruce) Johnson; and sister in-law, Star Strane (Joe) of St. Anthony Park. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond J. Albrecht; brother, Capt. Stanley B. Albrecht; and father- and mother in-law, Jackson and Bernice Strane, of St. Anthony Park. His funeral was held on Dec. 16 at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, with interment at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
