Michael Pecarich

Michael E. Pecarich

Michael E. Pecarich, 96, of Missoula passed away on August 10th, 2024 in his home at The Springs at Missoula. Michael was born on November 5, 1927, in Globe, Arizona to Joe and Katie Pecarich. Katie Mikich immigrated to Butte Montana from Bribir, Yugoslavia in 1925 where she married Joe Pecarich.

After a short stay in Butte, the family eventually moved to Missoula when Mike was four. Missoula has been his lifelong home, growing up in Target Range with his brothers John Pecarich and Bill Antonich, and graduating from Missoula County High School.

He served in the US Army in 1946 and 1947, spending one year in Korea, returning to a job with White Pine Sash, one of Missoula’s major industries for decades. He worked there from 1947 until 1961 where he was able to support his new family. He married Marjorie Coster, a neighbor since childhood and a high school flame, and although they divorced not long after, they had a child, Leslie, and remained friends, sharing in their daughter’s upbringing.

In 1961 Mike started his career with the US Post Office in Missoula where he worked until his retirement in 1988. During those years he finally met the love of his life, Vivian Ash. They were married in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho August 20,1983 and later had their marriage blessed by the Catholic Church in a private ceremony.

And it was blessed. Mike and Vivian led an active life, traveling to Italy and Croatia with family, spending winters in Arizona. They were avid Grizzly fans and loved spending time together and with friends. Mike greatly enjoyed golfing with the ’Geritol’ league at the University Golf course. 

But one of his greatest talents lie in woodworking. He crafted many beautiful pieces of furniture and other items which are cherished by his family.

Mike and Vivian eventually moved to The Springs at Missoula where Vivian passed in 2020. Although he deeply missed her, he made many good friends in his final years and was blessed to spend quality time with his family, who miss them both.

Mike is survived by his daughter Leslie Andre (husband Tom Dalquist), brother Bill Antonich, nephew Scott Antonich, stepdaughters Janet (Pat) Fitzpatrick, Margaret Ash, and grandchildren Jonathan (Carroll) Fitzpatrick, and Rachel (Stephen) Bussey, and great grandchildren Chappy and Huck Bussey.

He was preceded in death by parents Katie Antonich and Joe Pecarich, brother John Pecarich and wife Vivian Pecarich.

A memorial service and celebration of life will take place at Garden City Funeral Home on Friday, October 25th at 10:30. – 11:30 with refreshments following. A Graveside Service will be held at St. Mary’s Turner Cemetery from 1PM – 2Pm. Gardencityfh.com