Robert Weir Lechtreck

1925 - 2025

ROBERT WEIR LECHTRECK

April 2, 1925 – June 25, 2025

Born April 2nd, 1925 in Hawthorne California, died June 25th, 2025 in Bakersfield. Bob had recently celebrated his 100th birthday in grand fashion with friends, family, and plenty of fanfare.

Bob attended elementary and Jr High at Standard School in Oildale. He then attended Kern County Union High School (later called Bakersfield High School) and graduated in December of 1942. In February of 1943, at the age of 17, Bob joined the United States Navy. After boot camp, Bob attended diesel mechanic school and was made a Motor Machinists Mate. He was assigned to the USS Rowe - a brand new Fletcher Class destroyer - working the throttle and managing the ice cream maker for the officers. Bob saw plenty of action in the Pacific and fought in the Battle of Okinawa.

After his time in the Navy, Bob attended both Porterville and Bakersfield Junior Colleges. In February of 1948, he went to work for the Kern County Fire Department, beginning a 30 year career that would see him rise rapidly through the ranks and retire as the Fire Chief.

Over the course of his career, Bob was a member of several professional and service organizations, of which he often served as an officer. These included California Fire Chiefs Assoc., Southern California Assoc. of Foresters and Fire Wardens, California Rural Fire Protection Districts, Toastmasters, Elks, Loyal Order of Freemasons, and International Footprint Association.

After his retirement, Bob took flying lessons and became a small aircraft pilot. He also became an avid golfer, winning numerous team and individual tournaments, and was most proud of his only "hole in one". Bob loved to fish - lakes, streams, and ocean - and once or twice a year he would pull his 14 ft aluminum boat to Mexico, with other retirees to fish the Sea of Cortez. He was also an avid snow skier and loved taking trips to China Peak, Mammoth, and June mountains. Bob was a skilled "do it yourself" guy who claimed that he could fix anything with a screwdriver and a roll of duct tape. No one who knew him doubted it...

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Barbara, and his brothers and sisters Harry Jr., Helen, Corrine, Dugan, and Tish. He is survived by his daughter Debbie Lechtreck Miller, son Bob Lechtreck (and wife Marty), 3 granddaughters - who he absolutely doted on, and 2 great granddaughters.

Bob will be interned at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, as befitting his status as a veteran.

A Celebration of Life is planned for September 6th, 2025 at 2:30 pm at the Kern County Firefighters Hall, 7900 Downing Ave. Suite D. Lunch will be provided.

www.bakersfield.com/obits