Remembering Richard Pechacek of River Falls
Richard Anthony Pechacek, known to many simply as Rick, passed away peacefully at his home on November 4, 2026, at the age of 79. Born in River Falls, Wisconsin, on May 3, 1947, to parents Roman and Dolores (Bachel) Pechacek, his life spanned decades of deep community roots across western Wisconsin.
His early years laid the groundwork for a lifetime of hard work. Growing up on the Double R Ranch, Rick attended Angel Hill School and St. Bridget’s Catholic School before graduating from River Falls High School in 1965. During his school years, he took on leadership roles, serving as FFA President and later as the Wisconsin State FFA Vice President. Though he did not particularly enjoy farming itself, the experience instilled in him a tireless work ethic that stayed with him through every chapter of his life.
A Life Shared in River Falls
His story with his wife, Barbara Edgar, began in an unusual way. Rick and Barb met at the hospital on the exact day of their birth, as they were born just a day apart. They grew up a mere one-tenth of a mile from one another, though they did not truly take notice of each other until their junior year of high school. They were married on June 10, 1967, at St. Bridget Church.
Over the decades, Rick worked a variety of jobs—including stints as a gas station attendant, a worker with the city street department, and employment at a South St. Paul meatpacking plant. However, the anchor of his professional life was a 38-year career at 3M in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. During his tenure there, he took on diverse responsibilities, serving as a building supervisor and acting as a first responder on the company fire department.
Beyond his career, Rick dedicated significant time to civic service. He volunteered countless hours over a ten-year span at the River Falls Food Shelf. Family life remained central to his routine, marked by road trips to South Dakota, California, and Florida, visits to amusement parks, and frequent gatherings at the Pechacek and Edgar family farms.
Visitation and Funeral Mass Scheduled at St. Bridget Church
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Bridget Church, located at 211 E. Division Street in River Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 PM at the same location, with interment in St. Bridget Cemetery. Arrangements are handled by Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
Rick is survived by 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); and his great-grandchildren, Emily Pechacek, Connor Sanford, and Savannah Sanford. He is also survived by his siblings, Patty Most (Phil), Karen Marsh, Tom Pechacek, and Janice Pechacek (Tim), along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Paula Pechacek, his parents, and his brother-in-law, Toby Garey.
The family expressed gratitude to Adoray and Hospice Care for their compassionate support, as well as to Dr. Hugec, MD, and Father Harris for years of guidance and care.
