Marcus A. Pecha

Marcus “Marc” Anthony Pecha, of Stevens Point, passed away on December 11, 2023, at home, at the age of 81.

Marc was born September 28, 1942 in Birnamwood, WI; son of the late Albert and Helen (Shank) Pecha. He grew up in the area, attending local schools and graduating from Mattoon High School in 1960.

Following high school, Marc began a life-long journey in education. He began by attaining his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Biology from the UW-La Crosse. He later went on to earn his Master of Arts degree in Psychology, Guidance, and Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado. Finally, he completed a Specialist Degree in K-12 Public School Administration from the UW-Superior; one thesis away from a Doctorate degree. As he accomplished his educational goals, he held various roles in the field. He began his career as a physical education and health teacher for the Clintonville School District. In addition, he taught physical education at the district’s outlying elementary schools while also dedicating time to coaching football. In 1968, with his Master’s degree complete, he relocated to Stevens Point and began working as a guidance counselor at PJ Jacobs High School. He continued to coach, but this time as a baseball and tennis coach. Finally, for the last 24 years before retirement Marc proudly held the role as Principal of Ben Franklin Junior High.

While Marc worked hard to carve out his career path, he also worked hard to build a family. On August 7, 1965, he married the love of his life, Sandra “Sandy” E. Boldig. Marc and Sandy were blessed with 58 beautiful years together. Marc was a loyal husband and loving father to their two sons. Once his granddaughters were born, he became a doting grandfather. He absolutely adored his girls!

Marc lived an active and involved life, not only at home and in his career, but within the community as well. He took great pride in being involved in a number of roles. He was a Chairman of the Portage County Ethics Committee for 10 years; a member of the Elks Lodge 641 for over 40 years; a charter member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, serving on numerous committees, for over 45 years; served on the Red Cross Board of Directors; served on the WIAA Junior High School Board of Directors; and coached for the Plover Youth Baseball program.

When Marc had some extra time for a little relaxation, he had a plethora of activities he enjoyed throughout his life. In addition to coaching sports, he enjoyed playing them, too; specifically baseball. In fact, Marc was inducted into the Badger Amateur Baseball Association Bowler Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2010. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, cutting firewood, landscaping his yard, collecting antiques, and playing card games such as Sheepshead, Blackjack, and Cribbage. Above all else, he was an avid outdoorsman, spending time hunting and fishing with his sons, making trips up to his Northwoods cabin in the summers, and wintering in Arizona. Throughout his life, Marc was sure to make time for hunting and fishing as well as trips with his family and friends; from catching trout and walleye in Canada, to trout fishing in Colorado, to hunting the wily whitetail in Maine or the elusive antelope and mule deer in Colorado and Wyoming. He even took time to track down the quail in Arizona. No matter where Marc traveled to see the outdoors, his favorite was always the streams, lakes and woods of Wisconsin.

Marc is lovingly survived by his wife, Sandy; his sons, Steven (Betty) and Scott Pecha; and three beautiful granddaughters, Kathryn (Jeremy) Marek, Nora, and Emma.

Marc was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Helen.

Shuda Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.