TEXTILES.ORG
Dean L. Pecard, an integral part of Laacke & Joys (LJ Design & Manufacturing) for more than 50 years, died March 25, 2026, at the age of 81.
“Dean was an instrumental part of Laacke & Joys and served as the company’s president during his tenure,” says company president Greg Mather. “His leadership, integrity and ability to solve even the most challenging customer projects were legendary. Just as remarkable was the way he treated everyone with kindness and respect. He had a rare gift for bringing people together, and we are all better for having had him in our lives. He will be deeply missed.”
Pecard is survived by his brothers‑in‑law Allen (Cathy) Onopa and Rick Kautzman and by nieces and nephews and other extended family. Services have been held, but the full obituary can be read here.
Laacke & Joys (LJ Design), located in Brookfield, Wis., is a founding member of the nonprofit today known as Advanced Textiles Association, which started up in 1912. Laacke & Joys has been around since 1844 and does contract sewing and softgoods design. It is ISO certified and an FDA Registered Medical Device Contractor.