Memory of young man’s life lives on in Wauzeka
Built in recent years, this playground adjacent to the Wauzeka fire station was erected in memory of John Peloch. (Submitted photo)
By Correne Martin
It’s been nearly six years since Wauzeka’s John Peloch passed from lymphoblastic lymphoma with acute leukemia at the age of 27. In addition to his family, his friends and the community keep memories of his big-hearted personality alive.
A memorial, American Red Cross blood drive will be held Friday, March 3, from noon to 6 p.m., at Century Hall. It is sponsored by Wauzeka-Steuben Schools and John’s former wife, now Justine (Bedward) Sparrgrove ,and her family.
John’s parents, Paul and Joanne, his siblings and some of his extended family also participate by attending and giving blood at the drive each year.
Food is provided for the donors and community members spend some time talking with John’s family and friends, laughing about their good times together, his mom said.
Also, every year since he passed, especially around his birthday, Jan. 3, and the anniversary of his death, Jan. 22, his family and one special group of John’s friends visit the Wauzeka Cemetery to honor him.
“Every year that goes by, we ‘what if.’ Where would he be? What would he look like being six years older?” said his mom, Joanne. “John was blessed to have so many people in his life. There is a group of young men who always go to the cemetery on Jan. 22 to remember not only their lost friend but also the lost friendship.”
Those friends include Ryan Ward, Jim McKilip, Blake Lund, Reggie Lomas, Michael Pittsley, Cody Mainwaring, Rick Dombeck and Gene Ward.
“Even in the bitter cold, they go to tell stories, have a beer and some laughs and just to let John know they miss him a lot,” Joanne shared. “These young men have grown up at our home and John was always at their homes. It does take a whole village to raise a family, and they in turn become your family.”
The Pelochs and the Bedwards are so grateful for all those who continue to give them hugs and calls to express their memories and wishes. They want people to understand how important those gestures are to them.
As a family, the Pelochs also try to give back to the community, as John wanted them to.
“His worry, when he was sick, was how he could give back to all who helped him after he was diagnosed,” Joanne said. “His wish was to get a playground put in behind the Wauzeka Fire Station, by the football and baseball fields.”
So with the help of donations from John’s benefit and assistance from the community—including Clerk Phyllis Groom, the village board and workers, the Lions Club, and Dillman Equipment—the Peloch family made that dream come true a couple years ago. A modern, appropriately green and yellow, playground apparatus now stands out to anyone who passes by. Two flowering crab trees were added along with two hanging gliders and other flowers. The village also moved two picnic tables and a small shelter to that location.
Just recently, John’s brother, Cory, made a sign for this new park with Wauzeka-Steuben School and a Hornet pictured perfectly on one side and a “thank you” from John on the other side.
“Cory was very particular about it. He wanted it to be a nice tribute to honor his brother,” Joanne added. “His sister, Amy, also came home a few weekends to help with the construction and now she has two kids who can play on it too.
“It brings such a joy to see children playing on it. John loved life and we hope the community enjoys this for many years.”
Those who knew John also hope blood donors will consider helping to save lives by attending the blood drive March 3 in John’s honor.
