Dolores "Dee Dee" Rose Placek (née Fechter), age 83, of West Bend, passed away on July 23, 2026.
Born on November 30, 1942, Dee Dee was the beloved daughter of the late Bernard "Ben" and Rose Fechter (née Thomas). She grew up on the family farm in Newburg, alongside her three brothers and two sisters, where she learned the values of family, hard work, and kindness that guided her throughout her life.
As a young girl, Dee Dee loved spending time with her horses. Her favorite was her white horse, Silver, whom she proudly rode in the Newburg parade while dressed as the Lone Ranger. She also loved playing softball. Whether riding horses or playing ball, Dee Dee's adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors were evident from an early age.
After graduating from high school, Dee Dee began working at the Gehl Company. It was during those years that she met the love of her life, Fred, at the Lighthouse Lanes Bowling Alley. Their chance meeting grew into a lifelong love story, and they shared nearly 62 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on family, love, and unwavering devotion to one another.
After welcoming their daughters, Dee Dee worked part-time at Kohl's Food Store in West Bend, allowing her to balance work with raising her family. Later, she worked full-time as a bank teller at Marine Bank, in accounts payable at Amity Leather, and in accounts receivable at Cedar Community. She had a natural gift with numbers and a strong attention to detail. Dee Dee was known for her strong work ethic, dependability, and warm, friendly smile.
Some of Dee Dee and Fred's happiest memories were made during summer vacations spent together as a family. They enjoyed many trips on their boat, especially cruising the Mississippi River and camping on its sandbars. Those days on the water were filled with laughter, adventure, and treasured family moments that became memories they cherished for a lifetime.
Dee Dee treasured time spent with family and friends, especially on the bowling lanes and golf course. She cherished her Tuesday Nite Owls bowling girlfriends and enjoyed couples bowling with Fred and their Knights of Columbus friends. She discovered a passion for golf, a sport she truly loved and quickly excelled at. As a proud member of the Honeybees golf league, she became a respected leader and formed many lasting friendships. Dee Dee and Fred also shared countless enjoyable rounds of golf as members of the Hon-E-Kor Golf Club. Whether bowling or golfing, Dee Dee loved the friendly competition, laughter, camaraderie, and lifelong friendships that enriched her life.
Dee Dee was dedicated to her family and community. She enjoyed serving as a Girl Scout leader while her daughters were young, creating lasting memories and experiences with them. She also treasured the friendships she shared with her GEMS friends, enjoying many fun outings, laughter, and special times together over the years.
In 1990, Dee Dee was seriously injured in a devastating car accident. At the time, she was pursuing a degree in accounting, but the severity of her injuries brought those plans to an unexpected end. Through extensive rehabilitation, she showed incredible courage and determination, relearning how to walk and care for herself. Her strength and perseverance allowed her to return to work, enjoy golfing once again, and, most importantly, continue sharing her life with the family she loved so deeply. Her resilience in the face of adversity was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her.
Dee Dee also enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. She enjoyed Sudoku puzzles, playing cards, especially 3-13, and sharing many fun games of bingo with her sister and grandchildren. She had a special talent for cards and always seemed to come out the winner, much to the good-natured “delight” of those who played with her. These moments brought her great joy and created treasured memories with the people she loved most.
Dee Dee is lovingly survived by her husband, Fred Placek; daughters Pam (Jerome) Bechler and Mary Jo (Joe) Griggs; grandchildren Jared (Ashley), Lindsay (Chad), Alexa (Ryan) and Jamie (Daniel); great-granddaughters CeCe and Emmy; bonus great-grandchildren Maddilynn and Jaxstin; her brother Jerome (Pat) Fechter; sisters Kathy (Jerry) Becker and Joan (the late Tom) Roskopf; sisters-in-law Joyce Fechter and MaryAnn Cleary and many cherished nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Bernie and Jim Fechter; niece, Julie Becker; and in-laws, Fred Placek Sr., Theresa Placek, Marlene Alvarez, Charlie Placek, and Eddie Placek.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Phillip Funeral Home in West Bend, with a service beginning at 12:00 p.m., and a luncheon to follow. A private burial will take place at a later date.
Dee Dee's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at the Serenity Villa Assisted Living in Slinger and the compassionate caregivers of Preceptor Hospice Services. They provided Dee Dee with a peaceful and caring place to spend her final days, treating her with kindness, dignity, and compassion. Their exceptional care brought comfort not only to Dee Dee but also to our entire family. We are deeply grateful for the love, support, and tenderness they shared with her, and we will always cherish the difference they made during this difficult time.