Grace Piechowski's Obituary
For everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. — Ecclesiastes 3:1
Grace Piechowski, 70, of Waupaca, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, after waging a valiant fight against cancer. Grace was born on January 14, 1950, to the late Jim and Ione (Throne) Holman.
She met the love of her life, Dick Piechowski, at the Waupaca County Fair where she was showing dairy cattle and he was exhibiting sheep. After graduating from Waupaca High School, she attended UW-Stout to study early childhood education. Grace and Dick married in July 1969 and started farming with her parents at Holmland Farms. One of Grace’s greatest pleasures was the development and support of the personal and professional lives of her children, Sandy and Jim.
For over 50 years, the family worked side-by-side on their dairy, sheep, and vegetable farm. Grace oversaw the daily and financial operations of the 40-acre vegetable enterprise, running the gamut from planting to growing to harvesting to sales. Grace took pride in providing high-quality vegetables freshly picked each day and sold at the well-known farmer’s market truck in Shawano.
She exemplified her name of Grace in her service to others, devotion to family, and steadfastness in faith. Grace volunteered as a leader and advisor for a myriad of organizations, such as the Crystal Lake Busy Bees 4-H Club, the local and state Holstein Association, and the Manawa and Waupaca FFA Chapters. Ushering for many years at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church allowed her to help others and be active in her faith community. She received many honors and awards from associations for her leadership, including the Wisconsin FFA Honorary Degree. She also served the community as a Dayton Township Election Supervisor.
Survivors include her husband Dick Piechowski; children Sandy (Alan) Cordes and Jim Piechowski; and sister Ruth Holman.
Additionally survived by her extended family: nieces Alicia (Ben) Wallin and Michelle (Dan Holmes) Holman and their children; her in-laws Marge Piechowski; John (Marilyn) Piechowski; Bob (Alice Petersen) Piechowski; Jean Piechowski; JoAnne (Tom) Dolata; Mary (Derald) Kettlewell; George (Mary) Piechowski; Kathy (David) Pino; Mark (Lori) Piechowski; and Jeanne (Bob) Welch. Nieces and nephews further survive her: Jerry Piechowski; Dan (Gina) Piechowski; Ron (Susie) Piechowski; Monica (John) Augustine; Mike F. (Laura) Piechowski; David (Siobhan) Piechowski; Mike D. (Bethany) Piechowski; Barb Piechowski; Anna Kettlewell; Andy (Sarah) Kettlewell; Alex Pino (Becky Calhoun); Greg Pino; Steven Piechowski; Paul Piechowski; Ben Piechowski; Josh Piechowski; Luke Piechowski; Adam (Hannah Renfro) Welch; Sarah (Matthew Jonas) Hackett; and Peter (Brianna) Welch. Many other grandnieces and grandnephews and other dear relatives and friends are survived by her as well.
In addition to her parents and brother Kirk Holman, Grace was preceded in death by her in-laws Henry and Esther Piechowski, brothers-in-law Don Piechowski and Joe Piechowski, nieces and nephews Lori Dolata Bultman, Matt Piechowski, Christopher Piechowski, Logan Piechowski, and Hannah Piechowski.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the charity of your choice. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements. The family would like to thank the many ThedaCare team members for their expertise and compassion throughout this journey.
The family held a private graveside service at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in the Town of Dayton in Waupaca County. A celebration of life will be scheduled for a future date.
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