In loving memory of

Perle L. Pacht
July 12, 2015

MADISON- Perle L. Pacht passed away on July 12, 2015. She was born in Youngstown, Ohio and graduated from the University of Wisconsin. She taught first grade for many years and later was a reading recovery teacher.
Perle is survived by her husband of 68 years, Asher; two sons, Jory (Debbie) Pacht and Eric (Karen) Pacht. She is also survived by four grandchildren Ben, Lora, Jeff and Elissa and one great grandchild Maya.
She was a wonderful wife, mother, friend and teacher who will be missed by many people. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the foundation for Madison's Public Schools.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.


Cress Funeral Home
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608)238-3434

Tributes

Alex Hofsteen wrote on Oct 5, 2015:

"Perle was my 1st grade teacher and my next door neighbor for most of my life. She was like one of my own parents. I learned so much from her and the lessons that she gave me about being caring and kind to all. She will be missed and honored. "

Sarah (Boyce) Sorum wrote on Aug 4, 2015:

"Ms. Pacht was one of my very favorite teachers at ORE. She taught me and 4 other Sarah's in 1987-1988. She gave me extra math sheets and work to challenge me and provide content for teaching "lessons" I conducted with daycare friends after school. I now have a daughter of my own and hope she'll be blessed by a "Ms. Pacht" in her life. Thank you for sharing you wife/mom with the students at ORE. She made a significant impact on my life!"

Kathy Miner wrote on Jul 21, 2015:

"I was another student teacher in Perle's classroom at Orchard Ridge (the spring semester of 1976 -- the semester of the teachers' strike). Some of the students I remember from that class were Alan L, Rebecca G, Nancy K, Lisa C, Meghan J, Lisa C, Gregory, and Adam. Any of you out there reading these memories? I will never forget Perle. Though I did not go on to classroom teaching, I am an educator in another way -- guiding field trips at the UW Arboretum. Perle was a terrific teacher. I wonder how many hundreds/thousands of children (and adults) she reached and inspired in her lifetime. I know I was lucky to land in her classroom, all those years ago. My sympathy to her family. You must be missing her greatly."

Linda & Steve Kailin wrote on Jul 19, 2015:

"We have such fond memories of Perle as our first grade teacher hallmate at Orchard Ridge, Linda's Reading Recovery colleague and a dear personal friend. She was so passionate about her work and took great pride in the accomplishments of her students. She was committed to all of them, particularly those with special challenges and gifts. We loved her sense of humor, her feistiness and her intellect. She was truly one of a kind! We valued her wise counsel and her kind heart. We will miss her greatly!"

Eileen Kennedy wrote on Jul 18, 2015:

"I knew Perle as a fellow Reading Recovery teacher for many years. Perle was definitely one of a kind. She brought common sense as well as her wonderful sense of humor to our regular professional development sessions. She was never afraid to tell it like it is. I'm so glad I had the chance to learn with and from her. I am so sorry for your loss. "

Dianne Stevens wrote on Jul 18, 2015:

"I loved Perle. She was my son's first grade teacher and she remembered us both forever. "

Jt Covelli wrote on Jul 17, 2015:

"Such sad news for us. Mrs. Pacht was a wonderful presence when our daughter, Bridget Miller, attended ORE. A terrific teacher and lovely neighbor. She set the bar high for her fellow teachers with her sense of humor and dedication to her kids. Farewell Mrs. P."

Barbara Wiesner wrote on Jul 17, 2015:

"Perle was my first mentor as a young teacher in a private school in Madison. At the time she was supervising the UW practicum teacher who was in my classroom but in truth she helped me as much as the student teacher. Her observations and counsel were right on. Her encouragement to apply for a position in MMSD led me to a long and successful career in the district. Our paths crossed many times during our teaching years. I loved her big smile, her wit and her positive attitude. I felt privileged to have known her. She was an amazing lady."

Gay Eliason wrote on Jul 16, 2015:

"My family was so fortunate to have Perle start both of our children, Chris and Karina Eliason, on their path to a very successful educational background in MMSD. Her expertise in teaching and her warm, caring nature were the perfect combination. My children adored her, and so did I. May the wonderful memories of so many people help you through this difficult time."

Libby Antonie-Lusk aka Linda Hofsteen wrote on Jul 16, 2015:

"I have so many wonderful Perle stories I do not even know where to start. My family and I were Perle 's and Asher's next door neighbors for 25 years. I taught at Orchard Ridge Middle, she at the elementary. She taught two of my sons. When my oldest son, Brian, was 11 he went to a special sex education program at Maria Goretti catholic church. He was given a book titled Human Sexuality for Christians. Unbeknownst to me his brother took it to Perle's class for show and tell. She must have taken it from him because after school that day I found the book and a note in my mailbox. The note said, "Glad to see Christians do it just like Jews". Because of all of the incredible experiences I had with Perle, I cannot think of her without smiling. She brought joy to many and will be dearly missed by many."

Carol McAdow wrote on Jul 15, 2015:

"What a lovely lady and outstanding first grade teacher. My son had a good start at Orchard Ridge because of Mrs. Pacht. "

Melanie Ries-Kirner wrote on Jul 15, 2015:

"I was Perle's student teacher from 1983-1984. She was a wonderful mentor and colleague and because of her I am a better teacher and now teach at Black Hawk Middle School. I remember the gentle firm way she had with the first graders at Orchard Ridge. She was not only a lead teacher but a friend. I will remember her always."