Dorothy J. Pech

Dorothy J. Pech, age 96, of Kossuth, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 21, 2024 with her daughter at her side.
Dorothy was born on the family farm in Kossuth, rural Two Rivers, Wisconsin on September 5, 1927 to Henry and Bessie (Havlichek) Basken. She attended the local Francis Creek school through eighth grade. Not having the opportunity to attend high school, she then worked on the family farm until her early twenties. In her youth, Dorothy enjoyed exchanging pen-pal letters, and learned to play guitar, a passion she continued throughout her life.  At age twenty-two Dorothy began employment at Mirro Aluminum. It was in the car-pool to Mirro that Dorothy met her future husband, Chester Pech.  They married on October 11, 1952 at First Reformed United Church of Christ, Manitowoc.   Dorothy also worked at Lube Devices, Woolworths, and Paragon, from where she retired. Dorothy was a child of The Great Depression; the depression-era phrase, "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" was instilled in her.
Dorothy and Chester built a new home in 1960, enjoying their country life by planting a large garden every year.  They canned pickles and tomatoes, and sharing the annual abundance brought great pride and pleasure. They took annual family vacations to several states, as well as many trips to Mackinac Island and Door County, enjoying cherry-picking and picnics by the lake. Dorothy loved listening to county-western and polka music, and in later years liked to watch polka dancing on television.  She was an avid scrapbooker and was the family historian.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law: Cheryl (David) Gilbert, Kossuth; a son and daughter-in-law: Dennis (Stephanie) Pech, Arlington, VA; two grandchildren: Jennifer (Nicholas) Harling, and Eric Gilbert; one great-granddaughter, Madelyn Harling; a sister, Joyce Wilfert; a brother, Ronald (Cheryl) Basken; nieces, nephews, family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Chester Pech in 1994; her parents Henry and Bessie Basken; one brother, Lester Basken; two brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law: Jim Wilfert, and Norman (Mary) Pech; her father-in-law and mother in-law: Adolf and Lilian (Decker) Pech; grandparents  Albert and Caroline (Kugel) Havlichek, and George and Margaret (Dolezal) Basken.
Private family services were held on May 28, 2024 at Knollwood Chapel Mausoleum, with entombment at Knollwood Mausoleum, Hwy. 310, Manitowoc. The service was officiated by Pastor Warren Kraft, Melnik Presbyterian Church.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting  www.dejamartin.com
Dorothy’s family extends a special thank you to friends, family, and care providers who helped her to live independently in her home until recently, and Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels for their support to our family during this difficult time.