Obituary: Richard Anthony Pechacek, 79, of River Falls, Wisconsin

Richard Anthony Pechacek, age 79, of River Falls, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on November 4, 2026. Born on May 3, 1947, in River Falls to Roman and Dolores (Bachel) Pechacek, he was a lifelong resident of the area. Pechacek graduated from River Falls High School in 1965, where he served as FFA President and later as Wisconsin State FFA Vice President. He was raised on the Double R Ranch, where he developed a tireless work ethic despite not enjoying farming.

A Community-Focused Life

Pechacek met his future wife, Barbara Edgar, at the hospital; they were born just a day apart and grew up just one-tenth of a mile from each other. They married on June 10, 1967, at St. Bridget Church. Over his career, Pechacek held various jobs, including farm work, gas station attendant, and city street department employee, but spent most of his 38-year career at 3M in Cottage Grove, MN, serving in roles such as building supervisor and company fire department first responder. He also dedicated countless hours over a 10-year span to working at the River Falls Food Shelf.

Family and Final Arrangements

Pechacek leaves behind his wife, Barbara Pechacek (Edgar); his children, Annette Johnson (Dan) and Scott Pechacek (Lora); his grandchildren, Cody Johnson (Shanya), James Pechacek (Stephanie), Rachel Pechacek, Kelsey Johnson (Joe Sanford), and Evan Pechacek (Kathryn); his great-grandchildren, Emily Pechacek, Connor Sanford, and Savannah Sanford; his siblings, Patty Most (Phil), Karen Marsh, Tom Pechacek, and Janice Pechacek (Tim); and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. His daughter Paula Pechacek, his parents Roman and Dolores Pechacek, and his brother-in-law Toby Garey passed away before him.

Sonn to be ordained nicholas sannella and richard burton in front of st brigids church in

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 12:00 pm at St. Bridget Church, 211 E Division Street, River Falls, WI. Visitation will also take place on Monday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the church. Interment will be in St. Bridget Cemetery. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.