Ronald Pekarek

A Memorial Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Stephan with Father Christian Hendrick and Father Steve Hufstetter officiating. A wake service was held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 2, 2010 at the church in Stephan.

Ronald Raymond Pekarek was born November 19, 1940, the youngest child of Joe and Theresa “Tracy” (Lucas) Pekarek. He grew up on the family farm/ranch southeast of Highmore and graduated from Highmore High School in 1958. On November 26, 1960 Ron married his high-school sweetheart - Janet Hardes of Polo. Once married, Janet and Ronnie settled at the old Joe Pekarek homestead where Ron grew up while Joe and Tracy moved a half mile down the road. Ronnie and Janet spent the next 50 years building up and expanding the original homestead while raising a family of six children.

Ronnie was a gentle giant of a man who loved nothing more than teasing his own children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends. He loved to visit with them about everything from the latest machinery to politics to the business of farming and ranching. He made faith a priority, was a strong believer in community and gave back to others when he could. A gifted listener, Ron generally knew more than he let on.

Ronnie grew up with and had a special love of horses. Many nieces and nephews spent many summer weeks and months riding horses on Ronnie’s farm. He enjoyed putting teams together to pull the antique buggies and wagons he had collected. He was especially proud of his beautifully restored buggy in which he chauffeured three of his children at their weddings.

Ronnie loved working with his top caliber Border Collies and teaching them to herd. There was always at least one on the place and/or in the back of Ronnie’s truck. Ronnie proudly used the Border Collies to simplify many aspects of day to day ranch life and he treated them like family.

He is survived by his wife Janet; five sons: Brian Pekarek and wife Donna, children Brandon and Marissa; Scott Pekarek and wife Rosemary and children Rachel, Sarah, Megan and Hannah; Curt Pekarek and wife Suzie; Joe Pekarek and wife Kristin and son Jake; Jason Pekarek and wife Joey and children Taylor, Matthew and Nicole; and one daughter, Jill Cowan and husband Tigh and children Patrick, Breelyn, Hayden, Logan, Telson and his namesake Trake Ronald; his sisters: Leona Wade, Shirley Garrigan, and Marion McCance.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, William and his brother, Larry.

Ron showed tremendous strength and courage through his battle with cancer. His family is very grateful and would like to thank the nearly endless stream of family and friends who stopped by to visit, sent cards, letters and pictures these last few months. It really meant a lot to Ron and to us.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Ron's arrangements.