Cloudy, 26° F
(Mar. 3, 2006)
A Ralston resident, Francis (Butch) Piechowski, died Friday, March 3 at Powell Valley Hospital. He was 58.
He was born Oct. 14, 1947, in Graceville, Minn., son of Cyril Piechowski and Margaret (Whipple) Piechowski. He gradated from Wilmet High School.
He married Gail Henneberg Schlueter on July 27, 1996, at Shell Falls in Wyoming. They lived in Powell and Ralston.
At various times, he was a car salesman, an insurance agent and a laborer for Big Horn Redi Mix and Kylander Construction. At the time of his death, he was a bulk fuel truck driver for Big Horn Coop.
He enjoyed hunting, four-wheeling, camping, playing darts and lawn work and gardening. He was a member of the Milbank, S.D. fire department for 22 years. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge in Powell.
Survivors include his wife Gail of Ralston; a son, Dennis (Richelle) Piechowski of Simi Valley, Calif.; stepsons Rylan Schlueter of Powell and Nathan Schlueter of Milbank, S.D.; daughters Chris (Rick) Chapin of Webster, S.D. and Becky (James) Johnson of Milbank, S.D.; step-daughter Heidi Schlueter of Milbank, S.D.; sisters-in-law Betty Henneberg and Wynn Gustafson of Arden Hills, Minn.; brother-in-law Gary (Mary) Henneberg of Holloway, Minn.; a step-nephew and two step-nieces; and 11 grandchildren. He is also survived by his first wife, Pat Berkner.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Peggy Piechowski.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 9 at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank, S.D., and a Powell memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 14 at 10:30 a.m. at the Powell Eagles Lodge.
Thompson Funeral Home of Powell is assisting with arrangements.
