Francis “Pete” Wallach, 82, of House Springs died Dec. 1, 2023, at Mercy Hospice South in St. Louis. Mr. Wallach will be remembered for being a simple man who was all about his family and helping others. He started off selling bicycle parts to friends and then worked his way up to selling auto parts through the business he opened, Fenton Auto Salvage, in 1967. He was a part of The National Guard. He also was an avid traveler and animal lover. He had a passion for racing stock cars, a 69’ Chevelle, woodworking, photography and collecting arrowheads. He loved hiking and foraging for mushrooms. He was known for his daily comment: keep smiling, just another day in paradise. Born Aug. 31, 1941, in House Springs, he was the son of the late Bernard and Marion (Shaffrey) Wallach.
He is survived by six children: Tammy Wallach, Thomas (Lisa Cook) Wallach, Stephanie (John) Hunter, Michelle (Tim) Smith, Robin (Mike) Rogers and adopted daughter Xena (Jose) Galvan; a brother: Joseph (Mary) Wallach; 11 grandchildren: John Daniel (Heather) Peter, Nicole (Chad) Mayes, David Peter, John Kyle (Ashley) Hunter, Angel (Brittany) Wallach, Sara Kimbrough, Caitlyn Hunter, Dylan Smith, Madalyn Rogers, Carson Rogers and Morgan Smith; and several great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by three siblings: Bernard “Buck” Wallach, Marilyn Menke and Kathy Rustige; an infant son: John Michael Wallach; and one grandchild: Thomas M. “Tapper” Wallach.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at Chapel Hill Mortuary and Memorial Gardens, 6300 Hwy. 30, in Cedar Hill. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4696 Notre Dame Lane, in House Springs. A graveside service to follow at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery in Byrnes Mill. Memorial may be made to St. Jude’s or Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill Mortuary and Memorial Gardens.