Mary Jane Scherschligt, 84, of Alpena, died Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, in Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell.
Mass of Christian burial was Tuesday, Aug. 8 at St. Wilfrid Catholic Church in Woonsocket, with burial at the Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery in rural Huron. Visitation was Monday, Aug. 7, at the church with a rosary at 6:45 p.m., and a prayer service at 7 p.m., and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.
Mary Jane Pekas, was born on Oct. 17, 1932, in Yankton, to Joseph and Josephine (Vyborny) Pekas. She attended Lesterville grade school, graduated from Scotland High School, and attended Mount Marty College in Yankton.
Mary Jane married Ray Scherschligt on June 7, 1951, in Lesterville, and then they moved to Alpena, where she taught vocal music for two years in the Alpena school. Mary started work at the Bank of Alpena in 1962, and was employed there for 44 years. She was a parishioner of St. Wilfrid Catholic Church, where she was a lector and Eucharistic minister.
Mary Jane was also a member of the Alpena American Legion Auxiliary, where she served as president, secretary and treasurer for many years. She was the South Dakota American Legion Auxiliary Music Chairman for four years and also was department chaplain. Mary was a member of the Dakota Harmony Barbershop Chorus and was also part-time director. She also served as secretary and treasurer for South Dakota Girls State and treasurer of the Alpena Community Center.
Mary Jane is survived by her husband, Ray; children, Mark (Karen) Scherschligt of Brooklyn Park, Minn., and Karen (Tim) Harrington of Mitchell; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Joe (Kay) Pekas; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister and brother-in-law, Clarence and Josephine M. Vitek.
Memorials may be directed to St. Wilfrid Catholic Church or Mount Marty College.
Arrangements were with Welter Funeral Home in Huron.