Peter Fluetsch

Born on July 20, 1937 in Olympia, Washington, Pete was the fifth of six children to George Fluetsch and Adelaide (Leuthy) Fluetsch. He grew up in Lacey, WA with his five siblings; a childhood of little means that inspired a lifelong dedication to hard work and caring for others.

Pete graduated in the first class from North Thurston High School in 1957, where he served as Senior class president. He went on to attend St. Martin’s University, and on July 6, 1957, he married the love of his life, Kathryn (Haider), at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Pete and Kathy’s love story spanned nearly seven decades and the two were richly blessed with two children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; his family was, in his words, his life’s greatest achievement.

In March of 1976, Pete and Kathy founded Sunset Air out of their garage in Tumwater, WA. Under Pete’s leadership, the company grew into one of the region’s most respected businesses. He was a fierce businessman who led with integrity, humor and compassion. In the workplace, Pete was both universally respected and genuinely loved. After retiring in 2012, Pete passed the company to his son Brian, and today it continues under the leadership of his grandson Trenton, a legacy Pete was immensely proud of.

Beyond his family and business, Pete dedicated his life to community service. Pete served twice served as President of SMACNA Western Washington (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association), chaired SMACNA legislative committees at the state and national level, and proudly represented small business interests in Congress and in Olympia. Pete received the SMACNA’s National Contractor of the Year and he was the first ever inductee into the Carrier Corporation Dealer Hall of Fame. Pete served on countless local boards as well, including Heritage Bank, the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, and the Thurston County Economic Development Council, where he was a founding member and visionary leader. Pete was a longtime active member of Lacey Rotary. Pete served years on the Tumwater City Council and was Mayor of Tumwater, WA from 1990 to 1993. In recognition of his lifetime of civic leadership, he was awarded the JT Quipp Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.

Pete’s humble beginnings stirred in him a desire to give back. His legacy is one of endless philanthropic generosity, with particular passion for healthcare equity, children, and education. He and Kathy support countless organizations and causes, leaving an enduring mark on Thurston County and beyond.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, George and Adelaide Fluetsch, and his siblings George Fluetsch, Adele Warner, Pauline Hansen, Lucille Kinderman, and Paul Fluetsch.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; his son, Brian (Valerie) Fluetsch, his daughter, Brenda Fluetsch Corkum; his grandchildren Brea (Nate) Seaburg, Trenton (Hannah) Fluetsch, Kiersten (Chad) Overdahl Lueckenotte, Dustin (Laura) Corkum, and Annika Corkum; and his great-grandchildren Nora, Peter, Avery, Nina, and Kathryn.

Pete was happiest with a fishing pole in hand, tending his garden, enjoying dinner with family and friends, or traveling the world. He appreciated the little things; a sunset over the bay, freshly smoked salmon, an early morning cup of coffee, and quality time with the people he loved.

To his family and friends, Pete will be remembered as a hero, a mentor, a cheerleader, and a source of unconditional love. He was larger than life—boisterous, kind, playful, generous, and endlessly committed to making the world around him stronger and brighter. Pete’s life was a testament to leadership rooted in principle, service anchored in generosity, and love expressed through family. He was simply the best.