Warren Lester Picha

Warren was born December 15, 1915 and passed quietly at home at age 92 on 
November 1, 2008. Warren, one of five children of Mike and Gertrude Picha, was born 
and raised in Puyallup and spent his entire life as a farmer. First he worked with his 
father and then he had his own 50 acres in the Puyallup Valley which he farmed until 
his death. He loved working in the dirt and grew a variety of crops and especially 
enjoyed growing rows of dahlias. He married Jean Grimme on August 23, 1942 and 
raised four children (Linda, 1944; David, 1946; Beth, 1950; and Patti, 1954.) on the 
family farm. Warren worked the farm and Jean taught school for many years. Jean 
passed away in 1989. Warren and Jean loved to travel and took many trips with their 
friends and often took the children to the beach when the farm allowed him some time 
off. They were also avid dancers and spent many Saturday nights with their friends and 
their dance club. The highlight of Warren's life was his affection for his family and the 
extended Picha clan, many of whom still live in the Puyallup area. His home was 
frequently the gathering place for the annual family picnic which has been going on 
since the early 1900's. A favorite event on the family farm was Octoberfest which 
Warren hosted each year for the Pichas and many friends who would drop in for 
sausages and pumpkin carving. Warren was preceded in death by his two sisters, 
Verle and Beth and his brother Ted. He is survived by his older sister, Florence. Warren 
is also survived by his four children Linda (and Larry Sharpe), David (and Kay Picha), 
Beth (and Frank Hesketh), and Patti ( and Barry Whitehill.) He has five grandchildren 
(Otto Banick, Emily Banick Schultz, Jeff (and Dawn Newschwander), Thomas Picha 
and Amanda Picha. and one great grandchild Jocelyn Newschwander. A memorial 
service will be held Saturday, Nov. 8 at 3:00pm at First Presbyterian Church, 412 W. 
Pioneer Ave., Puyallup, WA. In lieu of flowers the family recommends that donations be 
made to Good Samaritan Home and Health Hospice, 407 14th Ave. SE, Puyallup, WA 
98372.

Pub Date: 11/6/2008
Tacoma News Tribune