James Pecha

James Pecha, of Mattoon, died Saturday, December 24, 2011 at his home under the care of his family and LeRoyer Hospice. He was 80 years old. He was born on January 1, 1931 in St. Frances, a son of Frank and Marie (Herda) Pecha. He married Jeanette Beck on June 25, 1955 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mattoon. She survives. He was a graduate of Mattoon High School class of 1950. Mr. Pecha served with the United States Army as a tank driver from November 15, 1951 to August 14, 1953 and saw action at the front lines in Korea. After military service he worked at Mattoon Hardware and Wisconsin Veneer and Plywood. For 25 years he worked as a Foreman for Duffek Sand and Gravel in Antigo. He retired from Antigo Construction in 1993. Mr. Pecha was a member of St. Joseph Holy Family Catholic Church in Phlox and the Holy Name Society. He was a life member of the Mattoon Sportsman Club and a member of the Mattoon Snowmobile club. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, gardening, and fishing with his two buddies Al and Clarence. Survivors including his wife are four daughters Janel Pecha, Green Bay, Cindy Verhasselt, Bonduel, Jane (Micky) Kolpack, Polar, Ka...[more]

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echa, Oshkosh; a son Randal (Cindy) Pecha, Mattoon; six grandchildren Matthew Pecha, Tera and Kendra Verhasselt, Ashley and Bradley Kolpack, Stephanie Greisinger; two brothers David Pecha, Wausau, Neal (Betty) Pecha, Milwaukee. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Richard Pecha, two brothers, Donald and Dale Pecha. A memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Holy Family Catholic Church in Phlox with Rev. Charles Hoffmann and Deacon Tom Hartman officiating. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Wednesday at the church. Military rites will be conducted following services at the church. Memorials may be directed to the Gerald and Dorothy Volm Cancer Center at Langlade Hospital or LeRoyer Hospice.