1928 – 2016

LEWISTON — Joseph E. Pelchat, 88, of 393 Center St., Auburn, died Monday evening, March 14, at Russell Park Manor with family at his side.

He was born in Lewiston on Feb. 12, 1928, one of seven children born to Wilfred and Lydia (Boulanger) Pelchat. Joe was educated in local schools and remained a lifelong resident of this community. On Oct. 2, 1948, he married the former Bette Clark and together they settled in Auburn to raise their family. Joe was a military veteran having served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II until his honorable discharge. He worked as a self-employed carpenter for nearly 50 years until his retirement. In his retirement years, he worked for a number of years at Roy’s Mini Golf and Driving Range doing general grounds maintenance and anything else that needed to be done.

He was a member of St. Michael’s Church, the American Legion, the VFW and was an active member of the Kora Temple Shriners and the Ancient Brothers’ Blue Lodge No. 178 of the Masonic Lodge in Auburn. Joe was very family-oriented and always thoroughly enjoyed the company of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed going for his daily walks and doing puzzles. He was a loving, devoted and hardworking husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

He leaves behind his wife of 68 years, Bette Pelchat of Auburn; his four children, Larry Pelchat of Auburn, Linda Letourneau and husband, Greg, of New Sharon, David Pelchat and Elaine of Oxford and Sandra Glover and husband, Gene, of Jacksonville, Fla.; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a brother, Bert Pelchat and wife, Joan, of Lisbon; three sisters, Doris Worcester and husband, Richard, of Tucson, Ariz., Lyette Schuchardt and husband, Frank, of Averland Park, Kan., and Lucille Smith of Lisbon; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Norma Plourde and Lorraine McKenzie.

The family wishes to thank the physicians, staff and direct care staff at Russell Park Rehabilitation & Living Center for the care and support given to Joe and his family during his time there.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Pelchat family by visiting their online guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.