Helen Beverly Pecha

Helen Beverly Pecha, age 92, of Oregon, WI and formerly of Mattoon died February 13, 2012 at Sienna Crest Assisted Living Center in Oregon. Mrs. Pecha was born July 19, 1919 in Antigo to the late Emil and Amanda (Koch) Shank. She married Albert E. Pecha on June 28, 1941 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Mattoon. He preceded her in death on July 30, 1983. Mrs. Pecha graduated form Antigo High School in 1934 and the Rural Normal School of Langlade County in 1938. She was employed by the Unified School District of Antigo for many years as a teacher's aid at Mattoon School and continued her passion for children participating in the Tiny Explorer's Program and the Foster Grandparent Program. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Mattoon where she was a member of their Ladies Aid and taught Sunday school. Mrs. Pecha enjoyed being a grandmother and great grandmother and was a gifted flower gardener. She loved to do crossword puzzles, bake sugar cookies, do embroidery, and watch the Brewers and Packers. Survivors include 2 daughters Sharon (Gary) Newman of Mequon, WI and Naples, FL and Janice Pecha Carney of Oregon, WI, a son Marcus (Sandra) of Stevens Point, 6 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 3 sisters, Ione Wheeler of Antigo, Adeline (Gary) Kieper of Antigo, and Phyllis (Tom) Hunchusky of Illinois, and a brother Eugene (Jean) Shank of Antigo, WI. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister Ruby Gresch and a brother Rueben Shank. Funeral services will be on Friday at 11:30am at St. John's Lutheran Church in Mattoon. Reverend Dean Bertsch will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:30 until the service at the church. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Mattoon. A memorial will be established in Mrs. Pecha's name. Strasser-Roller Funeral Home is assisting the family.