Staff

Pamela K. Pechacek

Owner

Pam was born and raised in Red Bud, Illinois. She graduated from Gibault High School in 1972 and graduated with an associate's degree in Applied Science from Belleville Area College in 1974. She married Ronald E. Pechacek on August 14, 1976. In 1984, they moved to Chester, Illinois and Pam still resided there to this day. Pam is a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chester, the Altar Sodality and the Chester Women’s Club. She and Ron, had two children, a daughter Elizabeth Ohlau and a son Derek (wife Erin) Pechacek. She is blessed with five grandchildren - Annabeth Marie, Julia Leigh and William “Liam” Edward Ohlau and Jackson Edward and Jessa Lynn Pechacek.

Elizabeth K. Pechacek Ohlau

Owner & Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer

Elizabeth was born in Red Bud, Illinois. She moved to Chester with her family in 1984. She graduated from Chester High School in 1997. She received an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Illinois in 2000 graduating Magna Cum Laude. She currently resides in Red Bud with her three children, Annabeth Marie, Julia Leigh and William “Liam” Edward Ohlau.

Elizabeth is a Deputy Coroner in Randolph County, Illinois. She is a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Red Bud, Egyptian Funeral Director's Association, Randolph County Police Association, and Illinois Coroners and Medical Examiners Association. Elizabeth has also served on the Red Bud Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She is an avid sports fan and enjoys spending time with her family. 

Richard Kehrer

Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer

Richard Kehrer was raised in Smithton, Illinois. He graduated from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale with a Bachelor Degree in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service in 1999. He completed his apprenticeship under Ron at Welge-Pechacek Funeral Home in 1999-2000. After his apprenticeship, he joined Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville. He is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in both Illinois and Missouri. Rich lives in Smithton with his wife Jenny, and their three children, Louis, Peyton and Vivian. Member of East Lodge 504 AF & AM, Scottish Rite Bodies, Ainad Shrine, Ainad Color Guard, Hillbilly Clan #39, Ainad Arab Patrol, Belleville Shrine Club

Britney Roth

Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer

Britney Roth was born in Wichita, Kansas and has been raised in Chester. She graduated from Chester High School in 2011. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service from Southern Illinois University—Carbondale in 2017. After graduation, Britney completed both her internship and apprenticeship at Welge-Pechacek Funeral Home. She is a member of First Baptist Church in Ellis Grove, Illinois. She is looking forward to furthering her career in funeral service and is proud to be serving her hometown. In March 2020 Britney married Daniel Roth and they reside in Ellis Grove. In February 2021, they welcomed their daughter Delaney Rae Roth. In June 2024, they welcomed their second daughter, Scottie Jane Roth. Britney enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Dylan Falkenhain

Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer

Dylan was raised in Red Bud, Illinois. He graduated from Red Bud High School in 2020. Dylan received an Associate Degree in Funeral Service Education from St. Louis Community College- Forest Park in 2023. After graduation, Dylan completed his apprenticeship at Pechacek Funeral Home. Dylan is looking forward to furthering his career in funeral service and is proud to be serving his hometown. He is a member at St. John's Lutheran Church in Red Bud, Illinois. He enjoys fishing, camping, and spending time with his family.

Judy Renner

Manager of Evansville Location

Judy is a lifetime resident of the Evansville, Illinois area. She graduated from Gibault High School in 1974. She has managed the Evansville facility since 1995. She is a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, Evansville.



Judy is married to David Renner. She has a daughter, Elizabeth (husband Darren) Hess and has two granddaughters, Helen Jewell and Hazel Anne Hess

Sharon Koester

Assistant Red Bud Funeral Home

Sharon is a lifetime resident of Red Bud, IL. She has worked part-time at the Red Bud location since February 2012. She graduated from Red Bud High School in 1980 and currently works there as the Guidance Secretary. She is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Red Bud.

Sharon is married to Jeff "Bubba" Koester and they have two daughters, Chelsea (husband Jason) Rippelmeyer and Candace Koester.

Ronald E. Pechacek 1953 - 2017

Former Owner & Funeral Director and Embalmer

Ron was born in River Falls, Wisconsin. He graduated from River Falls High School in 1971. He received an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois in 1976. After graduation, he worked for the Dashner Funeral Home in Red Bud until 1984. In 1984, he moved to Chester, Illinois and started working for Welge Funeral Home in Chester and Evansville. He had been owner of the Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, Welge-Pechacek Funeral Homes Evansville and Red Bud until his death June 2017.