Dwayne Pecks

1934 - 2025

Dwayne Pecks
May 11, 1934 - July 18, 2025
Dwanye Pecks, age 91, of Thermopolis, Wyoming, formerly of Madison, South Dakota, died on Friday, July 18, 2025 at the Thermopolis Wellness and Rehab Center in Thermopolis. Services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, July 26, 2025 at the Ellsworth Funeral Home in Madison, with visitation one hour preceding the service. Lunch will follow the service at Trinity Lutheran Church with Interment at Canova Cemetery.
Born on a farm in Lake County, South Dakota, Dwayne attended a rural school in Miner County until the fourth grade and completed his education in the Madison Public Schools, graduating from Madison Central High School in 1952. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from General Beadle State Teachers College in 1956 and a Master's Degree from South Dakota State University in 1963.
Drafted into the U.S. Army, Dwayne served honorably from 1956–1958 and in the reserves until 1962.
His 39-year career in education began in 1958 as a business teacher and coach in Ruthton, Minnesota. He later served as principal in Russell and Ivanhoe, Minnesota, becoming Superintendent in Ivanhoe (1974) and later in a shared Superintendent role with Lake Benton (1983). After retiring from Minnesota in 1989, he moved to Canova, South Dakota, where he supervised student teachers at Dakota State University until 1995 and served as interim superintendent for Tri-Valley schools serving Colton, Lyons and Crooks, South Dakota until 1997.
Throughout his career he was a very astute business manager, mentor and counselor to students and staff and was very involved at the regional and state level. Being the father of two daughters, he was most proud of the work he shared in as a member of the Minnesota Board of Control, advocating for Title IX and his work establishing Minnesota's uniform financial accounting system for all schools. The radio announcers and other school administrators recognized him as a trusted weather forecaster. Once Ivanhoe schools were delayed or cancelled due to snow, a multitude of schools followed.
Dwayne had a lovely voice, singing in several choirs, college musicals and men's quartets. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, bowling, travel, dancing with Edith, and playing pool. He was active in many church, community, and education organizations.
He served on the Dakota State Foundation and was named outstanding alumni and outstanding educator at DSU. Dwayne was a current member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he was confirmed and married.
After retiring, he and Edith began spending winters in Mission, Texas, making many new and dear friends. Although busy during his working years, family was important to Dwayne, especially spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchild.
Those grateful for having shared his life include two daughters, Margie Molitor and husband Leon of Thermopolis, Wyoming and Barb Pecks of St. Paul, Minnesota; grandson, Nathan Molitor of Sheridan, Wyoming; granddaughter, Megan Molitor of Sheridan, Wyoming; great grandson, Branston Mowry of Jordan, Montana; several nieces and nephews and many friends.
Dwayne was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-four years, Edith; infant son, John Michael; and his parents.
www.ellsworthfh.com