Gretchen Ann (Clope) Dechant

Gretchen Ann Dechant, age 68, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2009, at Wheaton-Franciscan All Saints Medical Center. Gretchen was born in Racine, October 25, 1940, daughter of the late Clarence H. and Marie A. (Nee: Dreher) Clope.

On October 29, 1960, at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, she was united in marriage to Joseph “Pat” Dechant, who preceded her in death on August 22, 2007. Gretchen was employed for many years at Wisconsin Energy until her retirement in 2006. She was a long-time traditional Catholic and a member of St. Pius V Church in Mukwonago. Gretchen loved cooking, playing bridge and games of all kinds, crafts and scrapbooking. Above all she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Gretchen was the loving mother of Mark (Jennifer) Dechant of Racine, Timothy (Kelly) Dechant of Battle Creek, MI, and Christopher (Lisa) Dechant of Racine. They were the primary focus of her life, along with Mark's children: Lauren, Colin and Grace; and Tim's children: Margaret, Maxwell and Maria. She is further survived by her brother, Gary (Suzanne) Clope of Racine; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Marcia Dechant Loew of MN and Suzanne Dechant (Glenn) Pfeiffer of Racine; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Marcia.

A Tridentine Mass will be celebrated at the funeral home on Monday, September 14, 2009, at 11 a.m. with Rev. John Young officiating. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. (Rosary recited at 4 p.m.) and at the funeral home on Monday from 10 a.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to St. Pius V Catholic Church, 425 Grand Avenue, Mukwonago, WI 53149 have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine d(262) 634-7888