Paula Joyce Pecenka

Paula Joyce Pecenka

Belle Plaine

Paula Joyce Pecenka, 96, of Belle Plaine, Iowa, passed away Feb. 3, 2023, at her home.

She was born Aug. 7, 1926, to Lester “Babe” and Gladys (Freeman) Anderson. She graduated from Belle Plaine High School, class of 1944. Following school, Paula worked at a Belle Plaine grocery store.

On Nov. 30, 1947, Paula married Franklin Martin Pecenka. Together they farmed and raised livestock north of Belle Plaine for 56 years, until retirement. She was an excellent cook and made sure no one working the farm went hungry. As her children grew, Paula also worked in the cafeteria at the livestock sale barn and a microwave shop in Belle Plaine.

Paula liked reading, sewing, making clothes for her children and quilting. She was a member of the Methodist Church Quilting Club, donating quilts to many different organizations. Paula also enjoyed her time outdoors, tending to the yard and flowers. Paula was a nurturer, with a love for people and animals; she lit up a room with her smile. She was the glue that held the family together and will be greatly missed.

Paula is survived by her daughter, Laura Pecenka of Belle Plaine; son, Jim (Kim) Pecenka of Blairstown; niece, Marlene Bottema of Arizona; grandchildren, Clint (Jenny) Pecenka of Seattle, Wash., Amanda (Jeff) Tschida of Culver City, Calif., Jacob (Natalie) Feuerbach of Solon, Jason (Kim) Feuerbach of Riverside, Jennifer (Chris) Meyer of Blairstown, Jessica Feuerbach of Blairstown, Alison (Aaron) Armstrong of Shellsburg and Alexander (Shatany) Wallace of Davenport; and many great-grandchildren, cousins and friends.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Franklin (2008); and infant daughter, Lois Ann.

Visitation is 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Christ United Methodist Church, Belle Plaine. Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. Feb. 11, in the church fellowship hall with lunch to follow. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Essence of Life Hospice or a local charity of your choice. Online condolence can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com.