Petey boy was born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin on August 1, 1927. His parents were May Kaufmann and Joseph Dennis. Petey also had an older brother…Walter Dennis.
Petey was in the U.S. Army and worked as an accountant at Manpower for 34 years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the age of 65 he retired from Manpower and started his retirement years by going to the Knickerbocker Café every morning. His morning order was, “two eggs sunny side up, sour dough toast no butter, blackberry preserves on the side and black coffee…. no cream.” At times the wait staff at the Knickerbocker would fail to pay heed to the specifics of his order (the no butter and no cream request) and Petey would kindly let them know this. After a short period of time, whenever Petey boy would come into the café, the waitstaff would say to me, “Cheryl, Pete’s here, you take him.” Thus, began a very special and unique friendship of 26 years.
After his retirement, Petey boy remained in Milwaukee for another year, then moved out west to Portland, Oregon. Here he found himself right at home where he frequented the local coffee shops. While he lived in Portland he purchased a home as an investment opportunity. Although he never lived at this home, he put his green thumb to work and created a beautiful garden with over 100 different types of flowers and plants. He also added a water feature to this garden. Pete took great care and pride in his garden.
After living in Portland for 5 years, Pete decided it was time for another move. He moved to San Diego, California and lived there for 17 wonderful years doing what he loved best…. hanging out at local coffee shops.
When Pete was in his 20’s he decided that driving was not for him and one night took his driver’s license and threw it into the woods. He never drove again and got around by foot, bus or his favorite, the Amtrak train.
Pete was a remarkable man who defied the limits that society puts on people who are in their 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. He was his own person who dressed how he wanted and did what he wanted. Let’s be honest, how many 90- year old folks do you see walking around wearing a baseball cap, plaid shorts, a slogan t-shirt and snazzy sneakers??
Petey boy had an abominable spirit that could not be quenched. He was an eternal optimist, kind, thoughtful, generous, wise, adventurous, fearless, open minded, giving, selfless, patient, persistent, and fun.
Petey boy had a challenging last 8 months of his life. Starting in December of 2017 he went to the hospital for severe pain in his lower back. They gave him medication to help manage his pain, then sent him to rehab for about 5 days. He was sent back home with an at home care team that consisted of a physical therapist, occupational therapist and social worker. These folks worked with him one day a week.
Whenever I would ask Petey how he was doing, his answer would always be, “I’m improving every day Cheryl.” It seemed Pete was more concerned about me and my worry for him, rather than his own discomfort.
Several weeks after being home, he went back to the hospital due to continual pain in his lower back. They released him from the hospital the very next day.
A couple days after Pete was released from the hospital, I was talking with him on the phone. I was asking him several questions and his answers did not make sense. I became concerned and was able to have his apartment manager check on him. She called me and confirmed that something wasn’t quite right.
The next day I found myself in San Diego trying to figure out what was the best plan of action for Pete’s safety and well- being. We went to his primary care doctor two days later and found out that something was askew with his heart. After an echocardiogram that same day, he was admitted to the emergency room. At first, I was told Pete had a heart attack, then two days later I received a call from a cardiologist that told me his pace maker was “hanging on by a thread.” The very next day Pete had his pace maker replaced. He was then sent to a rehab facility and worked hard at his rehabilitation program for 16 days.
Our plan was that after he was released from rehab, he would move to St. Paul’s assisted living facility. Pete was very excited about this and quite honestly this is all he ever talked about when he was in rehab. The Friday night before he was to leave rehab and move to St. Paul’s, the nurse administrator from St. Paul’s came to evaluate Petey. After a thorough evaluation of Pete, she gently told me that St. Paul’s would not be able to accept him because he was too weak physically. I knew Pete would be disappointed as he had his heart set on moving to St. Paul’s.
After hearing that he would not be going to St. Paul’s he looked at me and said, “Cheryl, you know what we need to do?” I was so encouraged that Pete had a plan B, as I was at a complete loss as to what we were going to do next. I asked him what and he simply said, “We need to trust in the Lord. Could you please go get that pizza now?” I was speechless at this man’s tremendous faith.
The very next day the Lord placed a wonderful assisted living facility in our path …. Renown Care. Pete moved there the following day and lived there for the last 7 months of his life.
During that month of transitions for Pete, he experienced significant loss. Loss of his independence, his apartment that he loved, going to church every Sunday and Tuesday, the ability to watch CNN whenever he wanted, and even some relationships that were very dear to him. Not once during this time or the 7 months that followed did Pete ever complain to me. He may not have liked his current situation, but rather showed appreciation for what others did for him.
The Friday before Pete passed, a physician went to his residence to check on Pete regarding a couple of concerns. The physician said to me, “Peter is having shortness of breath and I am ordering a chest scan for him.” When I asked Pete why he did not tell me he was having a hard time breathing, he simply said, “I am improving. It’s getting better.” I replied, “Pete, if you were 6 feet under you would still be optimistic.” His reply, “Well sure, at least I wouldn’t be 10 feet under!”
The next morning, he was taken to the ER due to his shortness of breath and eventually ended up in the ICU with septic shock. Pete was not ready to give up and opted to receive all the measures that were recommended to him to essentially, “fight for his life.” Two days later I was told that the chances of Pete ever swallowing again were slim to none. It was also difficult to understand Pete when he tried to talk. I had a heart to heart with him and was honest with him about what his life would look like if we continued to fight this infection. I suggested our next step would be hospice. His reply, “I understand completely.”
His last days were spent at Renown care, where they continued to love on him and give him excellent care. The day before his passing, I sat with Pete for several hours. The following are things I was able to understand him saying:
I said to Pete, “You’re amazing Pete.” He responded, “Petey boy is unstoppable.”
Out of the blue he said, “I got to be bold.” I asked him, “about what?” His response, “about things.”
Again, out of the blue he said, “I’m bored.” I said, “you never tell me your bored.” He replied, “no, I don’t.”
He mentioned taxes to me. I said, “buddy your taxes are all done.” He responded, “we will look forward to them next year then.”
And finally, he said, “coffee.” I asked him, “do you want coffee from Starbucks?” He replied, “where else?”
I can only imagine what his welcoming into heaven was like. I am certain that Jesus’ arms were outstretched towards Pete while he said, “well done my good and faithful servant.”
Pete will be dearly missed by many. Hillcrest will not be the same without our “Petey boy.” I want to thank all those that were so kind and helpful to us during these last 7 months. It would have been a lonely journey if it wasn’t for all of you who supported and loved on us during this time. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the both of us.
A memorial service at All Saints Episcopal Church will be held for Pete sometime in November.
In lieu of flowers I am asking that you kindly consider giving to “Pete’s garden” at All Saints Episcopal Church 625 Pennsylvania Ave San Diego, Ca 92103. Another consideration is to give a donation to Vita’s hospice 9655 Granite Ridge Drive Ste 300, San Diego, California 92123.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0