Wendell Peck

Wendell Peck, 98, of Great Falls passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at a local care facility of natural causes. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 10, 2016 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at O’Connor Memorial Chapel with the vigil service beginning at 5 p.m. also at O’Connor Memorial Chapel. Funeral liturgy will be held on Monday, April 11, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with rite of committal to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. O’Connor Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Wendell was born on June 7, 1917 in Malta, Montana. He went to school in Malta before going on to attend diesel school in Portland, OR. After school he worked in Wheeler, MT on the diesel powered generators. He was united in marriage to Ardell Rowan on December 9, 1939 in Malta. They remained happily married for over 61 years until Ardell’s passing. After getting married, they moved to Butte where they remained for 15 years before moving to Great Falls. It was there that they lived for over 58 years and raised their family. Wendell retired from Grogan Robinson Lumber Company after more than 40 years in the lumber business in Butte and Great Falls. After retiring from the lumber business, he drove cars for Enterprise and other rental companies until he was 93 years old. Wendell drove over one million miles. Wendell was on the honors bowling team and bowled a 256 at the age of 92 with eight strikes in a row. He golfed, played cards and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Club. Wendell is survived by his special friend, Carol Thompson; daughters Donna (fiancé Kenneth Worrell) Burke-Hart of Aledo, TX, Darlene (Joe) Calvello of Lockport, NY, Diane (Matt) Piekarz, Denise (Ralph) Nebel, and Debbie (John) Taylor all of Great Falls; sons Dennis (Carol) Peck of Dillon and Dave (Pam) Peck of Great Falls; grandchildren Kevin (Cindy) Peck, Kelly (Scott) McClain, Tammy (Drew) Belice, Michelle Burke, Karen Burke, Joe Calvello, Michelle (Ken) Genewick, Kim Peck, Bree Piekarz, John Piekarz, Jason (Katrina) Nebal, Bob (Jori) Nebel, Curt Nebel, Jennifer (Klett) King, Dawn Peck, Katrina (Josh) Palmanteer, Kayla (Victor) Knafelz; 26 great-grandchildren and one due in September. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ardell in 2000, and son Daniel Peck in 1978.