Josephine Peschke

Josephine “Pepi” Peschke (nee Koenig), age 96, was born and raised in Altlag, Gottschee, Austria. Beloved wife of the late Friedrich “Fritz” Peschke. She was the loving mother of Fred (wife Kathleen), Kurt (wife Laura) and Erika Zebrowski (husband Kelly); dearest Oma of Ashley (fiancé John Fioritto), Monika Marcotte (Tyler Rendlesham), Kyle, Kristen Valentino (husband Michael), Fred (wife Sophia), Nikolas, Indigo, Zackary and Jake Zebrowski and Great Oma of Morgan, Maddie, Abby, Dominic, Vincent, Cameron, Leo, Beau, Juliana, and Joseph; cherished daughter of the late Franz and Maria (nee Wiederwohl) Koenig; dearest sister of the late Maria Loser (husband Frank deceased) Pauline “Pia” Adam (husband Walter deceased) and Adolph Koenig; dear aunt and great aunt of many.

Josephine worked for many years as secretary for Hans Brickner in Kapfenberg, Austria. She immigrated with her parents and younger siblings to the USA. In Cleveland, she held various jobs.

She met her future husband in Kapfenberg, Austria. When she told him she is immigrating with her parents to the USA, he asked her father not to take her to America. I love her and I will marry her. Her father said she is still very young and it would be wise if she saw the world first.

For three years they corresponded with each other. After three years residing in Cleveland, she followed her heart and went back. As the train rolled in at the station in Munich, her fiancé was there awaiting her with red roses. He took her to his hometown Kapfenberg and they got married and honeymooned in beautiful Salzburg.

After spending six months with her husband in Europe and Austria, she came back to Cleveland. He followed her in a short period of time. He worked for many years for McGean Chemical, the Austin Engineering Company and for S.S.O.E. Inc. Engineering. They were married for 55 years. They had two sons and one daughter.

Josephine loved to garden. She enjoyed keeping her home and surroundings immaculate with the love of flowers. She was an avid reader who kept up with worldwide current events. She was an enthusiastic Cleveland sports fan and enjoyed walking. Her family describes her as nurturing and funny but most of all she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Josephine was true to her faith and will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Josephine to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, May 30, 2025, at The Church of St. Clare, 5659 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44124 at 10 AM. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Josephine at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) THURSDAY 4-8 PM.