Peter Benedict Barela Jr.

April 16, 1933 - January 8, 2018

Racine - Peter Benedict Barela Jr., age 84, passed away peacefully at his home per his wishes following a long battle with cancer. His daughter was at his side. Peter Jr. was born in Racine to the late Peter and Albena Barela Sr. on April 16, 1933. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950 until 1953 during the Korean War. He married Doris Overson in 1955 in Waukeegan, IL. Pete was an accomplished mechanic and auto body repair man throughout his adult life. His problem solving abilities were not limited to cars. Whether it would be a lawnmower, snow blower, air compressor, or any other mechanical device, he was usually able to diagnose any problem and repair them. Some of his other passions in life were his love of the north woods, particularly Vilas County, WI where he built a house in 1987. He enjoyed the area since the 1950’s. Although not recently, fishing and hunting in northern Wisconsin and Canada gave him great joy. Peter’s incredible strong will, determination, and workaholic work ethic will be missed by many generations of friends and family. His passion to help others was with him to the very end. Peter is survived by his children: Mark Barela (Cathy) and Lynne Barela (Mauro); grandchildren, Tyanna and Dylan Orban; former wife and friend, Doris; and many nieces, nephews, and very special friends who spent endless hours in the garage working on cars with him. He was preceded in death by his sisters: Harriet (Ralph) Karwowski and Edwina (“Ziggy”) Orzal and many close friends. Relatives and friends are invited to share in a Celebration of Peter Jr.’s Life from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at the Wilson Funeral Home. Interment with full military honors will be held privately at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at www.wilsonfuneralhomeinc.com. To the staff at Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, especially Julie Jensen who is truly an angel, thank you for your loving care throughout the years. Also, a special thank you to Dr. Marcelo Pasquini for giving us an extra ten years of memories following his leukemia therapy, to Allay Home and Hospice for your care and compassion during the final weeks of his life, and to Ben Schliesman for keeping his affairs in order and being a loyal friend.