Lucille Mae Pevonka, age 97, of Shawano, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Born in the Town of Richmond, on July 25, 1928, she is the daughter of the late William and Linebelle (Reinke) Beyer.

On September 17, 1949, she was united in marriage to Dennis Pevonka. Dennis’ friend, who was also Lucille’s cousin, set them up on a blind date, since Denny didn’t have a car at the time, his friend had to drive him. The date must have gone well, because it led to a wonderful marriage that lasted 74 years. The couple had no children and were by each other’s side… always and were very close to their nieces and nephews.

Lucille was a perfect lady, always dressed to the nines, donned in spike heels… simply elegant. She worked as the head bookkeeper at Chaimeson’s Department Store in downtown Shawano for many years. In her free time, Lucille enjoyed gardening, fishing, canning, attending exercise classes and playing Bingo.

Dennis and Lucille were huge Green Bay Packer fans. As Packer season ticket holders, they enjoyed cheering them on, along with the Badgers, Bucks and Brewers. She was a Christian woman who was an active member at St. James Lutheran Church, rarely missing weekly services. The couple were often seen dining out with friends, enjoying a good Wisconsin Old Fashioned... or two! The couple were always ready to go on an adventure.... and without fail, had fun!

Lucille is survived by her nieces, Mary Jo (Jack) Link, Susan Gruetzmacher, Bonnie (Doug) Kline, Marcia (Tom) Buker, Karla (Steve) Duchac, Debra Stroming, Kristie (Todd) Runge, Sandra (Jeff) Allen, Cindy (Tom) Fenwick, William (Sharon) Herrmann; and cousin, Mike Paiser.

Dennis is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dennis; her parents, William and Linebelle; brother, Donald (Mary) Beyer; sister, Ione (Bill) Herrmann; brothers-in-law, Clarence (Jean) Pevonka, Milton (Valerie) Pevonka and Orville (Irene) Pevonka; sister-in-law, Mildred (Joe) Ashenbrenner; nephew, Gerald Ashenbrenner and niece, Mary Beth Ashenbrenner.

A funeral service for Lucille will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano with Rev. Andrew Zobel officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday at the church starting at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. The burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Come and share some stories about Lucille, as we celebrate a life well lived. Memorial donations may be directed to St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano.