Peter Ziss

Peter was born on February 14, 1931, in Rode, Romania, to Peter and Katharina Ziss. The small town was settled by German immigrants who made their living working hard in the vineyards of the Carpathian Mountains. In 1944, young Peter and his family were one of many displaced by World War II. They first began life anew in the refugee camps of Austria. There, Peter lost his young brother, Walter, and gained his beloved youngest brother, Gerhard. In 1952, a church sponsorship brought the Ziss family to the United States, the country Peter would come to love as deeply as his homeland.

His first job in America was in a factory in Schiller Park. To improve his English, Peter attended night school. Once his English improved, he secured a job as a timekeeper and purchasing agent at Croname. At an office party, he met a beautiful woman visiting from Germany: Irmgard was staying with relatives in Chicago and planned to return to Europe at the end of the year. Of course, Peter did not let her. The two fell in love, were married, and together had a son, Ron Ziss.

During that time, Peter found “his line”, or calling, as a real estate agent. Peter kept busy with work, which he loved. He retired in his eighties with many honors from his employer, Baird and Warner. In his free time, Peter lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed sharing wine, beer, and German songs with his loved ones. With his wife, he traveled all across the world, including Antarctica.

Peter is survived by his dear brother and sister-in-law, Gerhard and Margaret Ziss; the greatest nephews in the whole world, Bobby and Gary Ziss; his beloved son, Ron Ziss; his dear grandchildren, Margaux and Keith Ziss; and by God’s wish and Peter’s own: his Liebling, Irmgard Ziss, loving wife of sixty-eight years.

Peter made friends everywhere he went and leaves many fond memories behind him. Peter will be remembered by all for his ambition, kindness, and generous spirit.

Visitation Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 4pm until 8pm at Drake & Son Funeral Home, 5303 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60625. Final Viewing Friday, October 30, 2026, from 9:30am until 10:30am with Funeral Service beginning at 10:30am at the funeral home. Interment Montrose Cemetery, Chicago. For more information, please call (773) 561-6784.