Donald James Pech

Donald James Pech was born on the farm south of Lamont, Iowa, on January 20, 1931, the second son of Albert and Freda Fewell Pech. He attended country school and then graduated from Lamont High School with the class of 1948. His summers were spent working with Paul T. Quint Construction in Winthrop, Iowa.

Don was united in marriage to Rosalea "Rhody" Davidson on August 3, 1952, at Port Wynemi, CA. To this union were born two sons, Don II and Jimmer. He entered the United States Marine Corps in 1952, during the Korean War, spending two years in California and Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1954 when he returned to Winthrop. In 1957, he started Don Pech Construction, building many commercial, home, and farm buildings in the area. Years later, in 1997, he returned to the farm life he'd loved as a child, as he and Rhody moved to her family farm north of Lamont.

He was proud of many things that he accomplished in his life including: serving as a Marine; being a member of both the Winthrop and Lamont Legions, the Winthrop City Council, and the Winthrop Volunteer Fire Department; designing and building Peoples' State Bank and Winthrop Medical Clinic; and helping and enjoying with other volunteers to build the original Winthrop Swim Pool and the Buffalo Creek Golf Course. Because of Don's hard work and dedication throughout the years, Winthrop has improved and grown to have many large city conveniences, yet still remain a friendly small town.

At the age of 81 years, Don entered into his eternal rest on Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Preceding him in death were his parents and granddaughter, Katie.

Survivors include his wife, Rhody, of almost 60 years; his two sons: Don II of the wandering road, and Jimmer of Polk City, Iowa; two grandchildren: Mahalie and James; (soon-to-be) three great grandchildren: Nova, M.J., and Paloma; two brothers: Charles (Shirley) of Lamont and Edward (Sherry) of Iowa City; two sisters: Joyce Glass of Huntley, IL and Shirley (Howard) Hardin of Stevensville, MT; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Friends may call from 4 PM until 8 PM on Friday, April 27, 2012, at the Fawcett Funeral Home in Winthrop and after 10 AM Saturday at the Lamont First Baptist Church in Lamont.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 28, 2012, at the church with Rev. Scott Hall officiating. Music will be provided by Jake and Brandon Carpenter. Casketbearers will be: Don Pech II, Jimmer Pech, James Pech, Jimmy Glass, Joel Pech, David Pech, and Ron Hankins. Honorary bearers will be: Gary and Karen Crawford and Ron and Deb Carpenter. Military rites by the Lamont American Legion will be held during committal services at Campton Cemetery east of Lamont.

The Fawcett Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Messages may be left for the family at: www.pechfamily.com.