Dennis and Rose Pachura
Maynard Iverson, Chair, Public Relations Committee, Council 9678, Knights of Columbus
Brother Dennis Pachura and his wife of 41 years, Rose, were recently recognized for their leadership and community involvement with the Knights’ Family of the Month honors. Long-time residents of Sun Lakes, the Pachuras were born and educated in the upper midwest; he in Chicago Ill., and she in Toledo Ohio. However, Dennis’s job as supervisor of accounting took them to Shreveport La., Muncie Ind., and Marshall Texas. He joined the Knights of Columbus in Marshall, where the family lived for 16 years. They became very active in numerous activities conducted by the award-winning Council 1422. The couple retired to Sun Lakes in 1997, where they joined St. Steven’s Catholic Church and K of C Council 9678. Dennis has held several Council offices, including chancellor, advocate, purser (for the Fourth Degree Assembly), and counselor for the Squires youth group. In addition, he chaired numerous committees and coordinated such events as Casino Night, PWID (aka “Tootsie Roll”) Charity Fund Drive for the mentally handicapped, and bus trips to area casinos. Recently, he helped the Council conduct a successful Fall Charity Raffle, and is the chair of the Call Committee for Council events. Rose served as president of the St. Steven’s Ladies Guild in 2010, and as a board member of the K of C Ladies Auxiliary, where she provided valuable assistance for many of the Knights’ programs and activities.
Always interested in traditional Polish culture, and shortly after moving here, the Pachuras became active in the Pulaski Club of Phoenix, which is the Polish-American cultural and social organization for the Valley. Dennis served as the club’s financial secretary for eight years, as trustee for four years, and as membership chairman for three years. To reward his efforts, the club gave Dennis the Outstanding Member Award in 2014. Together, they served on numerous committees for the club, including serving on the board of directors for the Pulaski Club for 20 years!
In 1998, the Pachuras founded the Polish Heritage Group of Sun Lakes, which they coordinated for 11 years. Although the Heritage Group disbanded in 2009, the Pachuras are known as the go-to proponents of Polish culture in Sun Lakes!
In addition to the above accomplishments, Rose Pachura served as president of the Arizona Business and Professional Women’s Organization in 2010, and recently founded the Sun Lakes Ladies Community Chit and Chat Breakfast Group. She coordinated the 2020 Wonderland of Lights project, wherein individuals, businesses, and other organizations bought and decorated Christmas trees that were auctioned off. The proceeds were donated to The Perfect Place Adult Day Care for victims of dementia. In addition, the Chit and Chat Group helps with other community activities, such as welcoming newcomers at meet and greet breakfasts or luncheons. For more information on these activities, contact Rose Pachura at 480-802-0775.