Roanne “Ronnie” Pechar

Beloved wife, mother, grandma, and friend, RoAnne "Ronnie" Pechar, 71, passed away peacefully surrounded by her daughters on February 5, after a lengthy illness. Ronnie was born on June 21, 1946 in Evergreen Park, Illinois to the late Harry and Beatrice Nelson. She was raised in Hinsdale and had many wonderful childhood memories there. Her favorite Christmas present was a cowgirl outfit she received when she was 4. In the second grade she was a member of a horse gang in which she rode around the playground pretending to be a horse. She was an active swimmer and a member of the synchronized swimming group, the "Aqua-ettes." After high school she traveled through Europe with her mother before leaving for the University of Kansas.

While at KU she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and majored in journalism. She met the love of her life, the late George Michael "Mike" Pechar, in 1966. After graduating, she worked for the Chicago Tribune and later the Overland Park Sun when she relocated to the area in 1968 after marrying Mike.

Ronnie took a break from her career to raise her three daughters, one of her greatest accomplishments. When she wasn't coaching the girls' softball teams or encouraging their other endeavors, she was an avid bridge player, Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Club charter member, reader, and family travel planner. A favorite vacation was the bi-annual trip to Disneyland.

Later in life she enjoyed doting on her 4 grandchildren, Katie, Annie, Aidan, and Lily and attended many concerts, recitals and games. She even ventured to Saudi Arabia to visit her grandson, earning her the nickname "Rad Ronnie of Arabia."

She was devoted to and proud of her family. Ronnie cared for Mike through years of illness with grace and patience and raised her three girls to be strong, successful, and independent women. Her sense of humor served her well throughout her life and was a great example of a life well lived, with no regrets.

Ronnie was blessed with many friendships, some spanning more than sixty years and others more recent. She loved spending time catching up with these friends whether it was grabbing meals, seeing a movie, or playing the slots at the casinos. Her faith and devotion to the Catholic Church kept her strong during the loss of her husband and throughout her long illness.

She is survived by her daughters Kiersten Wilson (Derek), Kathleen Land (Lew), Jennifer Minor (Stuart); 3 granddaughters, Katie, Annie and Lily; and grandson Aidan.

The family wishes to thank the many people who cared for Ronnie during her illness, especially the staff at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, Overland Park Rehabilitation Hospital, DaVita, Visiting Angels, Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, and the numerous friends and family who were with her in her final weeks.

Ronnie's parting message was for everyone to laugh every day, hug someone every day, and be kind to one another.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 12th, 2018 from 9:00-10:00 AM at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS 66206.  Mass of Christian Burial to immediately follow at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions may be made to:

Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas
9720 West 87th Street
Overland Park, KS 66212