Paul Arthur Lambrecht

Paul Arthur Lambrecht, 93, died on December 7, in Greenville, SC. Paul was born on August 18,1923 in Frankfort, Illinois to Herbert and Hilda Lambrecht where he and his sister Kay were raised. Paul graduated from Joliet Township High School and attended Joliet Junior college for 2 years. He entered the Army Air Corp in September of 1943 and was discharged March 7th of 1946.

He met the love of his life, Victoria Gerodimos (Vicki) in Chicago in 1946. They were married on March 2,1947. Paul and Vicki moved to Frankfort, Illinois where they were long time residents and very involved in their community. They had 2 children, Nancy and Tom. Paul loved his family and his extended family above all else and always put them first.

Paul had a long and successful career with Brown and Lambrecht Earthmovers, a business that he started in 1947 with partner Laverne (Bitz) Brown. His son Tom became involved in the business which he eventually owned and operated as TJ Lambrecht Construction until his death in 2003.

Paul was well known in the Joliet community and statewide for his participation in the Illinois Road Builders Association, where he served as President, Illinois General Contractors, Rotary and Lions Club. He served on numerous boards in the area including Silver Cross Hospital, Joliet National Bank and Easter Seals. He was actively involved in the Evangelical and Reformed church in Frankfort where his grandfather, Gustav Lambrecht was the pastor for many years.

Paul and Vicki spent summers in Manitowish Waters, WI from 1972 until 2013. In 1980 they moved to Naples, Florida where they lived during the winter for 28 years before moving to a retirement community in Hilton Head, SC to be near their daughter, Nancy. Vicki died in 2013. Paul then moved to Greenville SC to be near his daughter, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

All of us that knew him well would agree that he was always impeccably dressed and sported the best tan in the Midwest. He had many nicknames that were given to him over the years including PAL, Pop, Papa, Blue Pop, Silver Fox and Gadgetman. His love of gadgets required many trips to Ace Hardware and elsewhere. He bought not only for himself but mostly by the dozen to share with family and friends. No task, project, or problem was too big for Paul to handle. His modus operandi was to cogitate and then delegate. He always had a “guy” who along with a few bucks could take care of business. He and Vicki loved to entertain and hosted many dinner parties and events for family and friends.

Paul did not know a stranger. After ten minutes of entering a room he was best friends with everyone. He liked his Old Fashioned with “extra bitters” and more often than not picked up the tab for the entire table. His generosity was well known and appreciated.

He and Vicki toured the world. He loved the American flag probably more than anyone and displayed it proudly on every car, boat, hat, shirt…you get the idea. Paul lived life to the fullest. We love him and we will miss him but also know that he is already planning the next party.


He is survived by his daughter Nancy Clay (Stephen), of Greenville,SC, his sister Kay Anderson of Ormand Beach FL. His grandchildren, Lindsey Schulz, Alex Clay(Kelly) and his great grandchildren, Ally Schulz(8),Chase Schulz (7) , Sydney Clay (5)and Baron Clay(3) all of Greenville, SC. Melissa Lambrecht of Chicago, Jack and Matt Lambrecht of Palm Beach Fl. and daughter in-law, Patricia Lambrecht also of Palm Beach FL. He was preceded in death by his son, Tom Lambrecht in 2003 and his wife Victoria in 2013.

A memorial service will be held in January at the Cascades Retirement Community in Greenville, SC. Details to follow. His wishes are to have his and Vicki’s ashes spread in Northern Wisconsin.
Donations can be made to: The Discovery Center 215 County Hwy. W, 
Manitowish Waters, WI 54545 and/or Interim Health Care Hospice, 16 Hyland Rd, Greenville, SC 29615
Please include: Gift in memory of Paul Lambrecht in your correspondence.