Eldon Lawrence Picha

Eldon Lawrence Picha was born on July 31, 1933 in Steuben, Wisconsin, the son of Forrest and Anna Messling Picha. He grew up in the Wauzeka, WI area and graduated from high school there. As a young man, Eldon was a boxer. He had ten professional fights and finished with a 9 - 1 record. He also served in the National Guard. On July 3, 1953, Eldon was united in marriage to Marlyene Day in Wauzeka. Eldon worked many different jobs including driving a truck, construction, and was a district manager for the Jewel Tea Company. This job brought him to the Albert Lea area. He owned the Cozy Bar in Glenville, was a partner in the Evans Motors Business, and he started his own business, Picha's Cleaning Service. In his retirement Eldon managed the Legion club in Glenville and continued to work in the cleaning business. Eldon enjoyed playing pool, hunting, and all sports. He loved playing ball and continued playing softball into his 60's. He was known as a Green Bay Packers fan and a Cubs fan. He was very competitive and often outran people many years younger than him. Survivors include his children Alan Picha, Christine and husband Randy Blaschko, Dawn Picha, and Terry and wife Christina Picha; grandchildren Amanda Blaschko and significant other Zachary Poock, Joe, Emily, Sean, Taylor, and Halea Picha; great-granddaughter Kylie Jo; brothers Harold and Larry Picha; sisters Arlene Neeley and Donna and her husband Larry Kapinus; brother-in-law Bill Day, sister-in-law Elizabeth Cullison, several nieces and nephews, and friend Wilma Hutchins. Eldon was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marlyene, brothers Luverne, Kenneth, and Kerry Picha, and his sister Loretta Oelke.