William J. Peska

William J. Peska, age 89, of Ithaca, passed away at his home on Saturday, June 21, 2014, surrounded by his loved ones.

Bill was born in Alma on March 11, 1925, the son of John and Edna (Hamford) Peska.  He married Berniece Mae “Pat” Woodcock on July 11, 1945 in St. Louis.  He worked in maintenance for Michigan Chemical and also as a welder and pipe fitter for Local 85.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and outdoor sports.  He also liked to do woodworking, making wishing wells, windmills, and other outdoor yard crafts.

Bill is survived by his wife of 68 years, Berniece “Pat”; his children, Rodney Peska of St. Louis, and Ilia Steffenhagen of St. Louis; 8 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 10 great great grandchildren; his sister, MaryJane Becker of Ithaca; and his in-laws, Fred (Virginia) Woodcock of Alma, Elgin (Gloria) Woodcock of St. Louis, Marvin (Helen) Woodcock of St. Louis, Marilyn (John) Lehmkule of St. Louis, Vivian (Tom) McClintic of St. Louis,and Ruth Woodcock of St. Louis.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Ray Peska and Lloyd Peska; and his sister, Mildred Vaughn.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.  Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in St. Louis.  Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Monday.  Memorial contributions may be made to Pardee Cancer Treatment Foundation.