William Precht

William T. Precht 1941-2016

William Theodore “Ted” Precht passed away on September 19, 2016 at the age of 74 at home in Douglas, Michigan after several short but serious illnesses and stays in the hospital. Born December 23, 1941 in Seymour, Indiana to Theodore and Irene (Temple) Precht. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Marlene (Don) Armstrong and is survived by his long-time companion and friend, Sandra L. Bartky of Douglas, Michigan, his sister Doris (David) Farrar of Hendersonville, Tennessee, and his two children, Kevin (Kristin) Precht of Reston, Virginia and Allison (Sara) Precht of Chicago, one grandchild, Geoffrey Theodore Hammond Precht, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He attended Indiana University - Bloomington, studying political science. He spent the majority of his career in the Chicagoland area as a pioneering, self-employed computer programming consultant. He was instrumental in integrating computers into the daily operations of medical offices and worked with the State of Illinois Unemployment Office to solve critical system issues related to the issuance of state checks. He also developed data retrieval systems to allow bank customers to check their account balance over the phone.

He had a tremendous thirst for knowledge: he was an avid bridge player and had a profound knowledge of, and love for, classical music, science, social justice, and literature.

Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at 312-294-3000 or www.cso.org, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) at 888-567-ACLU or www.aclu.org or an organization of your choosing.