Frank Pechacek

Frank W. Pechacek, Jr., 82, passed away on August 15, 2026. He was born on May 1, 1944, to Frank and Gladys Pechacek.

Frank was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and attorney. He built a life centered on his family, his work, and the experiences he shared with those he loved. He and his wife, Beth, met at Cedar Falls High School when Beth was 14 years old, and Frank was 16 years old. Beth and Frank celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this summer. As loyal and enthusiastic fans, they spent many weekends driving to Iowa City for Iowa Hawkeye games. Other getaways included favorite spots such as California wine country and St. John Virgin Islands. They also enjoyed making countless trips to visit their grandchildren. Frank enjoyed sailing in his younger years and always had a passion for wine. Making memories was an important part of their personal lives.

Frank earned his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1969 and continued practicing law at his law firm, Willson & Pechacek PLC, until his death. He was well respected in the legal community and loved working with his clients on both straightforward and complex matters.

Throughout his 57-year career, Frank served and supported numerous nonprofits paying it forward to his community. Some of Frank's favorite volunteer positions included co-founding the Southwest Iowa Educational Foundation, Inc., which awards scholarships to Southwest Iowa students pursuing post-secondary education and sitting on the boards of the American Red Cross Loess Hills Chapter, Pottawattamie County Community Foundation, and Pottawattamie County Civil Service Commission, among others. He also served in many roles for the Iowa State Bar Association. Frank treasured his relationship with the University of Iowa where he was both a director and a lifetime honorary director of the Iowa Law School Foundation Board. Frank participated in developing critical scholarship funds for the University of Iowa Law School, volunteered at law school events and acted as a professional mentor to recent graduates. Frank recently received the University of Iowa Eight Over Eighty Achievement Award.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved daughter, Jill Ellan Pechacek, MD. He is survived by his wife, Beth; his children, Holly O'Keefe (Steve) and Frank Warren Pechacek III "Chad" (Natalie); his grandchildren, Hawk, Brooks and Hope Peterson, Charlotte, Lucy, Murphy and Finnegan O'Keefe, and Madeline and Michael Pechacek; his sisters Muriel Nunn and El Jean Bartelt (Wayne), and other relatives and friends who will remember him with love.

Frank's family will deeply miss his presence, his guidance, and the many special moments they shared with him.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 3:00 pm at Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Frank and Beth Pechacek Scholarship Fund, c/o Southwest Iowa Education Foundation at 536 East Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA 51503.