Rick “Teddy Bear” Peconga, 59, Warsaw, died at 11:55 a.m. July 8, 2013, in his residence. He was born Nov. 9, 1953, in Columbia City, to Peter Joseph and Violet May Sproat Peconga. On Nov. 14, 1987, in Pierceton, he married Brenda Rhodes, who died July 8, 2011. Living most of his life in Kosciusko County, he worked as a truck driver for various companies. He was a former member of American Legion Post 258, Pierceton, and was active with Rendevouz, which performed pre-1840 reenactments. He also was a member of The Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana. Surviving are four children: Glenn (and spouse Martha) Smith, and Mishelle (and spouse Ronnie) Jarrell, all of Pierceton; Wendy Kline, Milford; Mindy Howard (and spouse Shawn Keene), Kimmell; two brothers, Mike Peconga, Peru, and Ronnie Peconga, Warsaw; two sisters, Rae Remington, Virginia, and Rox Gayheart, Warsaw; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by his parents and a grandchild. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton. Calling is one hour prior to services at the funeral chapel. ***** Memorial contributions may be made to Rick Peconga Funeral Fund, c/o McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw, IN 46580. To sign the guest register or send condolences electronically, go to mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com
