Arthur L. Pechta, 87, of St. Ignace, died peacefully at his home Thursday, July 29, 2010.

He was born in Allenville, March 21, 1923, to William and Lempi (nee Makela) Pechta.

Mr. Pechta was graduated from Sault Ste. Marie High School in 1941. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942 to 1945. He was employed at the DSS & A Railroad for 15 years, and then retired from the Mackinac Bridge in 1987 after 27 years of service.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed spending time at his cabin on Brevort Lake. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church and the American Legion of St. Ignace.

He married Frances “Pudge” Peach May 7, 1949.

He is survived by his wife; a granddaughter, Leslie Pechta of Leadville, Colorado; a brother and his family, Wesley and Dorothy Pechta of Brevort Lake; two sisters, Effie Pollack of St. Louis, Missouri, and Jean Lindstrom of Atlanta, Georgia, and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Pechta was preceded in death by his son, David, who died January 27, 1995.

Friends and family called at Zion Lutheran Church of Allenville Monday, August 2, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., followed by services at 2 p.m. with Pastors Jerry Wittmus and Jeremy Winter officiating. Burial was in the Brevort Township Cemetery next to his son, parents, and nephews.

Graveside services were under the direction of the St. Ignace American Legion Post.

Memorials may be made to The Hope Chest or Zion Lutheran Church in St. Ignace with envelopes available from Dodson Funeral Home, which is assisting the family with arrangements.