Peter Zenner's Obituary
Sturtevant - Peter M. Zenner of Sturtevant passed away peacefully in his sleep early Monday morning, September 4, 2006 after a several month struggle with cancer. He was 86.
Pete was a very good man. Starting in 1927, Pete proudly worked hard all of his life on his farm in Mt. Pleasant. Times were very rough in his youth as he and his family tried to make a living on the farm during the Great Depression. He was proud of what he accomplished in his life with an 8th grade education from Treadwell School. He farmed with horses as a youth and gradually switched to powerful tractors and equipment over the years. He was a very quiet man, with a sense of humor to match to help get over the rough spots. He was his own Man. He lived Life his way. He loved farming as a way of life, despite the huge amount of work. He milked his first cow as an 8 year old and many more until the cows were sold in 2002. He worked hard, but he appreciated the beauty on the farm such as the return of the barn swallows in May, a field of knee-high corn, or a peaceful tractor ride on a pretty morning. In his later years, he relished getting on the tractor or combine whenever there was work to do. This past spring, he helped with corn planting and he sprayed soybeans as late as June.
Pete met Shirley Turban while square dancing at a Bachelors and Bachelorettes dance in Evanston, Illinois. They were married on January 16, 1965. They were active in Racine square dancing clubs for many years. Dad and Mom spent much special time together such as a Sunday drive and many treasured family moments. They loved each other very much.
Pete taught his four sons - Dan, Dave, Dale, and Glenn many valuable life lessons. He modeled the best of character traits all of his life. He always cared that they were doing okay and he was always willing to help. Above all, he and his sons loved and respected each other very much.
As a youth, Pete played ball. Later, he enjoyed hunting rabbits and pheasants, pitching horseshoes, bowling, and "solving the world's problems" with farmers, neighbors, and friends.
Pete will be deeply missed by Shirley, Glenn and Anne, Dale, Dave and Gloria, Dan and Julie, and grandchildren Nicholas, Emma, Alex, and Maya. He is further survived by his sister, Ann Felton and special nephews and nieces and their children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Clara Londo and Ruth Rykal. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Libbie.
Pete's family would like to express its deepest gratitude for the many expressions of concern and support and acts of kindness from friends and family during his illness. In addition, the Family would like to thank Robin and the entire staff of VITAS Home Hospice Care; Dr. Mullane, Dr. Grinise, and Dr. Welsh and of course, Michael for their kind, compassionate care.
Funeral services will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home on Thursday evening, September 7, 2006 at 7 pm with Pastor Jeffery Mortenson officiating. Private interment will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 5 until 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dad's memory to Foundation for End of Life Care, 2675 N. Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53226.
What’s your fondest memory of Peter?
What’s a lesson you learned from Peter?
Share a story where Peter's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Peter you’ll never forget.
How did Peter make you smile?