Richard Lee Peche
Richard L. Peche, 73, died Saturday, November 21, 2015 at Wellbrooke of Westfield, Westfield IN, after a courageous yearlong battle with cancer. He was born May 29, 1942, to Edwin and Margaret (Johnson) Peche in Marshfield, WI. While his father was off at war in the South Pacific, he and his mother lived with his grandparents on their farms, which sparked his lifelong interest in farming.
Upon his father’s return from WWII, his family moved to Medford, WI, where he attended Immanuel Lutheran School and Medford High School. During high school, he worked on a mink ranch and also for his uncle’s construction business. After graduation, Richard joined the Air Force and was stationed in Texas and Germany. He travelled throughout Europe during the 3 years he was there and always talked of those days fondly. It was in Germany that he bought his first VW Beetle, and brought it home with him to the States. He continued to drive Volkswagens for decades.
After being discharged from the Air Force, Richard worked at the Chrysler Motors plant in Belvidere, IL. He married Karen Ulczycki of Rib Lake in 1967, and in 1970 they moved back to the Medford area and bought a farm in Goodrich. He attended agri-business classes thru NCTI, and continued farming most of his life. After he quit farming, he moved to the Withee area and drove for the Amish community.
Richard is survived by his daughter Julaine (Rick) Santiago of Westfield IN, and one brother, William, of Hartland, WI. He is also survived by 2 grandsons, Justin and Joshua Santiago. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held from 1:30pm until the time of services on Friday, November 27 at the Hemer Funeral Home, Medford. The funeral will begin at 3:00pm with Pastor Dan Esterline, Sr., officiating. The Medford Area Military Honors Team will perform military rites and interment will follow at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II. Nephew Scott Hill, Minong, WI, will serve as urn bearer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to his family to be designated at a later date.
Hemer Funeral Homes of Medford and Rib Lake is assisting the family with arrangements.
