Peter Joseph Ninteman

Peter Joseph Ninteman, 48, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away on April 28, 2026. One year before his death, after a hospital visit for abdominal pain, he was diagnosed with colon cancer. He spent this past year actively pursuing a variety of treatments including invasive surgery to remove a portion of his lung. In December of 2025, the disease spread to his hip and spine. Despite the attentive care of his oncologists, the aggressive nature of his cancer overcame their best efforts. Pete spent the last two months on his life in a care facility, where he was visited daily by staff, family, and many friends.

Pete was an avid outdoorsman, loving brother, son, uncle, and hard-working forester. He was born on February 27, 1978, to Richard and Meri Ninteman in Renton, Washington and spent his childhood in Auburn. After graduating from high school, he pursued a culinary arts career serving as a chef at Primetime Café, River Rock Restaurant, Woodmark Hotel, Zion National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park.

Desiring a change of pace and scenery, Pete shifted gears and embarked on a challenging degree in forestry management from Oregon State University to enter a field that complemented his love of nature. Pete accepted a position with Weyerhaeuser, where he worked protecting and ensuring the stewardship of beautiful forests in Washington and Oregon.

When not working, he enjoyed hunting, shooting sports, and became an avid reader of American history. In 2023, sensing a need for spiritual renewal, Pete was baptized as an outward symbol of his complete commitment to Jesus Christ. He became an active member of Centralia Chrisitan Church, where he spent time both learning from and helping other men in their walk with God.

Though Pete never married, he loved being an uncle to his nieces and nephews who, awaiting his every visit, would expectantly stand at the end of the driveway until his truck turned the corner so they could scream, “Uncle Pete’s here!” Pete is survived by his parents and his younger sister, Sara Sobole. The legacy Pete leaves is one of perseverance, commitment to being present, and the power of faith in Christ to change lives. He is loved by many and his presence will be deeply missed. We are all blessed to have had Peter in our lives.

A public funeral will be held on May 16, 2026 at 2:00pm at Centralia Christian Church. 1215 West Main St Centralia, WA 98531. (https://centraliachristian.org). For those unable to attend the funeral in-person, a live-stream link can be found at the time of the service at the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/@centraliachristianchurch8350 Peter will be buried in a private ceremony in Pullman, Washington alongside his grandparents, Jack and Barbara Barton, and his uncle, John Barton.

Condolences for the family can be mailed to:

The Ninteman Family

7454 Newcastle Golf Club Road, # 139

Newcastle, WA 98059