William Wesley Pechta

Died: Thursday, October 11, 2018 William Wesley Pechta, 97 of Brevort Lake passed away early Thursday morning, October 11 surrounded by family at Castle Rock Retirement Center in St.Ignace. He was born February 1, 1921 in Newberry to William and Lempi (Hill) Pechta. Growing up he worked with his father and siblings on his family's farm in Allenville. He graduated from Soo High and earned a degree from Cleary College in Ypsilanti. He served in the Pacific with the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942 to 1946. While in the service he met Dorothy Sangraw. When he returned home they married on April 20, 1946 in Manistique. Together the couple raised six loving children. He worked for McGregor Oil Co 40 years as Manager/Bookkeeper. "Wes" as he was known by his family and friends, was very active in the Masonic Lodge #369 in St. Ignace. He served as Worshipful Master several times, and held every office in the lodge. He was also a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church of Allenville, and served as Secretary of the church for many years. Wes was a very active member of our community, and could always be seen at community functions even up into his late years. Sports were a big part of his life. He played for Moran's men's baseball team and enjoyed coaching the local boy's baseball championship team in St. Ignace which his son William was a part of. Along with coaching he was also a Boy Scout troop leader while his son Robert was a Boy Scout. He always had a large garden, enjoyed snowmobiling, and loved his annual fishing trip to Canada with close family and friends. He made his last trip with the guys at the age of 90. After his retirement, Wes and Dorothy enjoyed their winters in Apache Junction, AZ; Palm Desert, CA; and Bradenton, FL. His family was very important to him. During the summer he could often be found at the family cabin on Brevort Lake taking his family for a pontoon boat ride, cooking out, and playing cards with his children and grandchildren. The family has appreciated the support of friends and neighbors in recent years, especially from his caregiver Doris. He is survived by Dorothy, his loving wife of 72 years. Also his family, son Robert and Kim, Fort Walton Beach, FL; daughter Barbara and Patrick Nelson, Shelbyville, MI; daughter Susan and Kurt Ney, Palm Desert, California; daughter Laurie and Dean Steiner, St.Ignace, MI ; son William and Gwen of St.Ignace, MI; sisters, Effie Pollack, St.Louis, MO; Jean Lindstrom, Alpharetta, GA; and 7 grandchildren, Erik Nelson, Kelly Davidson-Adams (Chris), Brendon Steiner, Lewis Steiner, Alyssa Pechta, William Pechta, and Hailey Ney. He was preceded in death by his son, Stephen in 1999, his brother Arthur and wife Frances "Pudge"; brothers in law, Dr. Alvin Pollack, Bryce Lindstrom, Donald Sangraw, Raymond Sangraw, and Harold Sangraw; his parents in law George and Gertrude Sangraw; and his parents, William and Lempi Pechta. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 20 at 10:30 am at Zion Lutheran Church of Allenville with Pastors Joe Daiker and George Kaiser officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 9 am until service time. A Celebration of Life and burial will be in Brevort Township Cemetery in July conducted by Masonic Lodge #369 F& AM. Memorial contributions can be sent to Zion Lutheran Church of Allenville W1946 Brevort Lake Road Moran, MI 49760. Dodson Funeral Home, St. Ignace assisted the family with arrangements.

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William Wesley Pechta

October 11, 2018