Andrew James Pecharich, age 72, left us peacefully, Monday, September 27, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospital surrounded by his family.
Known to all as “Andy,” he was born in Galesburg, Illinois, on September 4, 1949, to Anthony “Tony” and Josephine (Rice) Pecharich of Good Hope. There, Andy grew up on the family farm, showing cattle and attending Northwestern High School in Sciota. He went on to graduate from the University of Illinois with a BS in Agriculture, and as a member of the FarmHouse Fraternity. In 1971, he married Jerilyn “Jeri” Altheide in Macomb, IL, who preceded him in death in 1988, and moved to Rural Avon where he has lived and farmed the last 50 years. In July 1989, he met Carolyn Simkins of Galesburg and would later marry in 2006.
Andy loved the land and could identify every tree on it. A car fanatic, he could easily be found at any auction, tractor pull or car show talking shop and mingling with friends–new and old. He enjoyed vintage television shows and a good movie. Andy loved the pursuit of great food, a great restaurant and he loved a piece of pie and ice tea. He lived to travel, but most notably fell in love with Disney at a young age and never looked back. Andy loved his family and friends unconditionally. He was always there for them. Andy never waited around to experience life, he lived it on his own terms, and truly lived.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Carolyn; his sister, Shirley (Michael) McElvain of Heyworth, IL; daughters, Amanda (Steve) Dunlavey of Loda, IL, Susie (Zeb) Shultz of Abingdon, IL, Katie (Nick) McCormick of Smyrna, GA; and 6 Grandchildren: Wyatt and Weston Shultz, Jerilyn and Nathan Dunlavey, and Cayla and Evelyn McCormick.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at 11 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church, with Father Patrick O’Neil officiating. Burial will follow at St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery. The family will greet friends and family from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the church on Monday, October 4, 2021. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
The Pecharich family would like to extend their gratitude to the UIHC Transplant Team for giving Andy 4 extra years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Andy’s name to St. Augustine Catholic Church or to the UIHC Hospitals and Clinics, Lung Transplant Center. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
