Pete was born on March 12, 1936 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the son of the late Rev. Dr. Victor and Olga (Bautz) Thomas. He was united in marriage to Judy (Irwin) on May 5, 1962 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
Pete graduated from Watertown High School in 1954 where he held the posts of Student Council President and President of his Senior Class.
He fulfilled a lifelong dream of attending college at the University of Wisconsin, Madison graduating in the fall of 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation Pete took employment in the engineering department of Consolidated Papers, Inc. of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. After serving in that department for 10 years he transferred to the Purchasing Department and worked in various positions for 15 years. He served as the Director of the Purchasing Department for his final15 years with the company.
Pete had been a lifelong member of the Moravian church in the communities of Watertown, Madison-Glenwood, Wisconsin Rapids, and Sister Bay. While in high school, Pete was instrumental in creating the first winter retreat as well as being involved in many youth activities. As an adult he served as Sunday School teacher and held positions on many church boards.
Pete was a dedicated, devoted, and loving husband and father. He loved raising his family with encouragement and support for their many interests and activities. He was happy to volunteer his time to Cub Scouts and Little League Baseball. Pete enjoyed camping, boating, sailing, skiing, and traveling with his family and friends.
After retirement, Pete and Judy moved to Door County for 10 years and then in 2013 they moved to Fort Myers, Florida. Pete served for 15 years as the President of the Cross Creek Condominium Association.
Although a diehard Green Bay Packer fan, his heart held true and strong to his alma mater and his beloved UW Badgers.
Pete is survived by his wife Judy; a son Eric (Melissa Schmalz and Logan) of Vail, Colorado, three granddaughters Stephanie, Courtney, and Alexandra; a daughter Amy Hinrichsen (Craig Ward) of Fennimore, Wisconsin; a sister Dorothy (John) Wait of Waterford, Maine, and a sister-in-law Naomi (Lewellyn) Thomas of Sister Bay, Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Keith and Janette (Matthews) Irwin, and brother Rev. Lewellyn Thomas.
A private interment will be held at a later date at the Restlawn Memorial Park in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. The Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home of Fort Myers, Florida is serving the family. In lieu of plants and flowers a memorial in Pete’s name may be made to either the Wisconsin Rapids Moravian Church 310 1st Avenue South Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495 or the Sister Bay Moravian Church 10924 Old Stage Road Sister Bay, WI 54234.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18