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Jack Picha Obituary
He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Lydia Picha; his mother-in-law, Berta Bergmann; his sister-in-law, Ursula Bergmann of Selb, Germany; and his special niece, Tanya Trnka of Montgomery, Minn.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Ingrid from Selb, Germany; his son, Irvin of Atlanta, Ga.; his daughter, Joanne; his son-in-law, Todd Gardner; his grandson and little buddy, Christian Gardner of Mechanicsville, Va.; brothers, Bud (Sharon), Roy, and Gayle Picha of Silver Lake, Minn.; niece, Michelle Picha of St Paul, Minn.; and sister-in-law, Marlene Wigle and family of Titusville, Fla.
Jack was born Feb. 9 1936, in Silver Lake, Minn., and lived in Hampton since 1970. He served in the military during the Vietnam War. In 1984, Jack retired from the Air Force, after 27 years of active duty, and retired from Civil Service on Jan. 31, 2010, after 24 years at the NN Shipyard. He received the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the AF Organizational Excellence Award Ribbon, and the AF Good Conduct Medal with six oak leaf clusters. He loved vegetable gardening and especially fresh water fishing with his wife.
A celebration of Jack's life will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, officiated by the Rev. Ed Binder. Interment will follow immediately after the service at Parklawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, snacks and food, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the SPCA, 523 J. Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA.
The family expresses sincere appreciation to a special friend, Chuck Nelson, for his continuing care and support; to Annamarie Schauer for her ongoing assistance; to Don Waller (Jack's barber), to Judy Campbell and all Jack's other coworkers and friends at the shipyard; the IT Breakfast Huddle; to nurses and aides, Cindy, Jessica, Barbara, Audrey, Rita, Stacey and Kelly of Personal Touch Hospice.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.
Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., in Hampton, 23666. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jack Picha
Larry James
January 20, 2011
Jack was such a warm wonderful person and always a good friend who always had a really funny joke or what seemed to be a serious story that would crack you up at the end.You never saw it comming because he always kept a stright face.I will miss him.
Ingrid please know my thoughts are always with you.
Kathy Lynn
January 5, 2011
Jack was a very bright spot in the building he worked at. I feel blessed to have known Jack and I will miss his charming, pure perspective of life, always sharing stories of his precious grandson, Christian, and his love of cats and gardening. Not to mention his generosity of sharing whatever he had for breakfast. What a great guy! He is truly missed and loved by me and many others.
January 3, 2011
Please know that our prayers are with Ingrid, Irvin, Joann, Todd & Papa. We are thinking of you all and know that Jack's love and kindness will stay with us all our lives! Diane, Andy, Kaitlyn, Madison & Austin
Doreen "Benji" Wolf (aka C.B.)
December 30, 2010
My deepest sympathy to Ingrid and family. I met Jack in 1981 when I was assigned to Langley AFB VA. I'm originally from Minnesota and when he found that out, he seemed to take me under his wing. He was the kindest and gentlest man I have ever known. And could he tell a good joke! He always had us in stitches. He would tell us stories about Pearl the cat. He loved his family so much! Heaven is an even better place because Jack is up there smiling at us all and he has a whole new audience for his jokes. We will all miss you Jack = you were one of a kind!
Tim Ackland
December 30, 2010
Ingrid,
My thoughts and Prayers - are with you and your family.
Memories of Jack - will help heal the pain and loss you are feeling.
James & Kathleen Green
December 30, 2010
Our prayers are with you always Ingrid as will fond memories of our closeness in the good times past always be with us.
james & Kathleen Green
December 30, 2010
WE MISS YOU JACK, AND OUR PRAYERS WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU INGRID.
DONNIE & ROSI JURGENSEN
December 29, 2010
WE TRULEY HAD ALOT OF GOOD TIMES OVER THE YEARS,YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTON.OUR SINCERE PRAYERS GO TO ALL THE FAMILY.WE WILL MISS YOU JACK!
Wendy Zach(Shepherd)
December 29, 2010
Joanne and family...Sending prayers and thoughts your way. Words are so hard during this time to show how really sorry we are for your loss. He may not be here on earth, but he will always be with you in mind, heart, and soul.
Stephanie Fuller & Family
December 28, 2010
Dear Ingrid, Chuck, Jack's Children, Beloved Grandson, & Other Family, I'm so sorry for your holiday loss. I trust the Lord filled your last year with fond memories you can cherish through these sorrowful times.
Shelley Brent-Charette
December 28, 2010
Jack was my neighbor. I am going to miss the funny emails that Jack would send me. I am going to miss seeing Jack in the yard, and cooking on the grill, Jack was a beautiful person inside and out. Rest in Peace.
Judy Campbell
December 28, 2010
Jack you will never be forgotten. You have touched many lives and have left your footprints in our hearts. You will continue to live on in our memories and hearts. Ingrid you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Denise Stanbrook
December 28, 2010
Jack was a wonderful man, he will be missed greatly. Ingrid, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Frank & Heidi Galinsky
December 28, 2010
Jack was a great friend and we always enjoyed his company. Remember the German Club Christmas parties where we shared his great humor and personality. Will truly miss him.
Chris Hunt
December 28, 2010
It was always nice to see Jack when he worked at SUPSHIPNN. He had a hello and smile for everyone.
Chico Valdes
December 28, 2010
As sad as it is,I'm happy for Jack for he's in the presence of our GOD,along with his buddy my father cmsgt Fred Valdes.As a kid growing up at Langly I knew him as uncle Jack.On saturdays at the nco club they had nickel hotdogs and hamburgers and if I couldn't find my dad I could always get a dime from uncle Jack.Ingrid I pray that you can find peace knowing that Jack is walking with our lord Jesus.
Lori & Robert Perkins
December 28, 2010
Jack will be missed. His smile and great disposition will be remembered forever by those of us that had the opportunity to know him. We are thinking of you and hope happy memories of Jack/your dad give you peace.
Dianne Hamilton
December 28, 2010
I am so glad we got to meet him this past summer. I know he will be missed. Wish we could be there with you.
Ernie Stokes
December 28, 2010
I served with Jack in Hof an der Saale, Germany in the 6910 RGM USAFSS for several years. I considered him a friend.
Dewey Tweed
December 28, 2010
Although we hadn't seen each other for 50 years (our days in Germany), I remember Jack as a fine and likeable young man. We kept in touch by e-mail in the last few years. I missed not hearing from him the past couple of years. My deepest condolences to Ingrid and family.
Marc & Mary Ann Manson
December 28, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Don Waller
December 28, 2010
Jack was a good friend and a good customer. He will be missed.
Judy Campbell
December 28, 2010
Footprints In Your Heart
by Eleanor Roosevelt
Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
To handle yourself, use your head; To handle others, use your heart.
Anger is only one letter short of danger.
If someone betrays you once, it is his fault; If he betrays you twice, it is your fault.
Great minds discuss ideas, Average minds discuss events, Small minds discuss people.
He who loses money, loses much;
He who loses a friend, loses much more;
He who loses faith, loses all.
Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.
Learn from the mistakes of others.
You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.
Friends, you and me. You brought another friend, and then there were three.
We started our group, our circle of friends, and like that circle - there is no beginning or end.
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift.
Jack,
I met you in 1994 when I came to work as a contractor for SUPSHIPNN. I really got to know you when I became a member of the SUPSHIPNN family and started working in C162 in 2004. You were and always will be a dear friend.
Just like the poem above you have left your footprints in my heart. For that I will always be grateful and I will never forget you. Although you are no longer here physically you are here spiritually.
To the family of Jack Picha,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take comfort in knowing that Jack has touched many lives and for that we are a better person.
Though Jack is no longer here he is in a better place and he will always be with you. Cherish the memories you have of Jack and he will continue to live on in our hearts.
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