Gerald E. Pechacek Jr. of Saint Helens, Oregon, a Viet Nam Vet, died Oct. 11, 2023 at 76 years. He was born May 22, 1947 to Gerald C., Sr and Marie (Guest) Pechacek.
Gerry grew up on a farm in Beldenville and moved to the pink house on the corner by Glen Park in River Falls, where he graduated from high school. He proudly served two tours of duty in Viet Nam and told many war stories of his adventures there. He has a stone on the Veteran’s Walk at Greenwood Cemetery on Division Street, River Falls.
In 1974, he married Shelly White who had daughters Dawn and Hope. They moved to Mesa, Ariz., where Gerry was a prison guard.
For several years, with Shelly’s parents and the girls, they managed Ocean Gate Resort and cafeteria on an island off the coast of Maine. They arranged huge lobster feeds that were very popular, with people busing in from Boston and NYC.
After moving back to Mesa, Gerry and Shelly were quite the team driving transport truck cross country and delivering goods to both coasts. They were very proud of that huge rig and their safety record.
In retirement, Gerry and Shelly moved to a small farm in St. Helens, Oregon. Dawn and Hope with their families soon followed.
Gerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife Shelly in 2017. He is survived by his sister Mary (Pechacek) Drier and brother David Pechacek; his children: Dawn (and Chris) Bynon and Hope (and Jim) Wahl; grandchildren Elyssa Pechacek and Dianna Weddle (spouse), Mack Minnis, Aurora Bynon, Justin Wahl, and Greyson Wahl: and great-grandchild Scarlet Pechacek.
Gerry enjoyed his family, and puttering with machines, gardening, and yard work. He was quite the talker relating his Viet Nam adventures. When it became difficult for him to get around, he took up crocheting blankets for church, family and friends.
