Patricia Mikulecky, 86

The life of Patricia (Peschel) Mikulecky — Angels watched over Patricia Louise (Peschel) Mikulecky as she passed away on Aug. 10, 2024, at the Libby Care Center of Cascadia. She was 86 years young.

Patricia Louise Peschel was born on Nov. 26,1937, in Ronan, to Paul and Velma (Mitchell) Peschel. She was joined by one brother, Edward Paul, whom she loved to tease, and remained close friends, until his death. 

Patty received her teaching certificate after attending two years at Western Montana College, Dillon. She secured her first teaching job at a south Rudyard rural elementary school, where she met Charles Mikulecky at a country dance. Patricia loved to dance. The two married on Sept. 7, 1958, and settled on the Mikulecky homestead, south of Rudyard, where they raised three children. She continued her teaching career at a north Joplin country school, second grade at Hingham, and ended her career at Joplin, teaching 5th grade. On the farm, Patty planted and cared for a garden, which the children recollect as acres upon acres, as they were in charge of all the weeding. All the fruits of their labor were canned, providing the vegetables for the rest of the year. Patricia was especially adept at making pickles, and her homemade bread and buns to feed the harvest crew were exceptional. Flowers were cared for and watered with recycled water from the washing machine, and the interior of her home was full of houseplants that would rival any collection a botanist might possess. After a day of dusty, hard work on the farm, fond memories were made plunging into a giant stainless steel cheese vat, converted to a swimming pool.

After moving to town for the kids to be closer to sports and activities, Patty enjoyed waitressing at the Rudyard Cafe, Inverness Supper Club, and Highway Bar. Her next career was the United States Postal Service in both Rudyard and Havre, and eventually Ronan and St Ignatius. She enjoyed the people she worked with and the social outlet the job provided. 

She was a 4H leader for years in the Rudyard community, donating her time teaching sewing, cooking and baking, and preparing kids to enter their goods in the Hill County Fair. Hours were spent in community engagement, such as the 4H club serving food at the Rudyard Gun Club.

She loved animals and had fond memories of riding horses with friends in high school. In later years, when she retired to her farm in Ronan, she had both horses and dogs. She particularly liked Alaska malamutes and had a beloved dog named Nikita. Patty enjoyed embroidery and knitting, and many beautiful creations are a testament to her creative gifts. She enjoyed writing poetry and was proud that one of her works was published by the Famous Poets Society. She was active in Bible study. Music was her passion and one of the first items purchased with her postal paycheck was a stereo for the living room where she could listen to her favorites, most notably Elvis and Marty Robbins. She loved to dance in the home while listening.

After the passing of Chuck, in 2008, Patricia permanently settled in Ronan, and eventually shared company with former classmate, Marvin Carlyle. They formed a deep friendship, staving off the loneliness of both losing a spouse. 

Despite the many challenges in her life, Patricia was known as caring, friendly, and charming. She was both complex, more than a bit eccentric, and avid collecting was her life's work. The last chapter of her life was spent at the Libby Care Center close to her daughter, Sandi, where she was beloved by the staff. Patty remained active at the Care Center, participating in arts and crafts, Resident Council, bingo, socializing, singing, and of course dancing.

She was preceded in death by parents, Paul and Velma (Mitchell); brother, Edward Peschel; husband, Charles J Mikulecky Jr., friend, Marvin Carlyle; and son-in-law, Bruce Moog. 

She is survived by her children, Edward Mikulecky of Fort Collins, Colorado; Sandra Moog of Libby; Lisa (John) Iverson, Stayton, Oregon; ten grandchildren; Kevin and Mitch (Angela) Haas; Andrea and Cassandra Moog; Daniel (Adria) Mikulecky, Jasmine Mikulecky; Calliope (Gauge) Rogers; and Faryn (Joe Smith), Dylan, and Luke Iverson; as well as 12 great-grandchildren. 

Services will be held at the New Beginnings Lutheran Church in Rudyard, on Aug. 30, at 11 a.m., with a luncheon and inurnment to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local elementary school or the Rudyard Museum Historical Society. 

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.