Pete Oknewski, 69
Pete Oknewski, 69 of Wittenberg died Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at Ascension Saint Clare’s Hospital, Weston.
He was born on October 20, 1949 in Merrill, son of the late Andrew and Lois (Brown) Oknewski. He served his country for 11 years in the US Army during the Vietnam War. On November 29, 1978 he married Diane Staszak in Wausau. She survives.
Pete and his family lived in Denver, Colorado for 20 years where he worked as a truck driver and was also a driving instructor. In 2004, they moved back to the area to be near family and to enjoy all of the seasons and outdoor activities that Wisconsin has to offer. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and also enjoyed playing Cribbage. He will be remembered for making others laugh, and will be missed as the neighborhood babysitter.
Survivors include his wife, Diane, and their two children, Nicole Oknewski and Travis Oknewski, all of Wittenberg; two grandchildren, Jasmine Rayne and Aurora Leigh Rose Oknewski; his siblings, Leon (Joy) Oknewski of FL, Margaret Pardini of NC, Frances (Martin, Jr.) Little Wolf, of Wittenberg, Tony Oknewski of Neenah, and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Peter, Jr., his siblings, Victor, Rose Marie Oestrich, and two infant brothers, Matthew and Joseph.
The Commitment Service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at the Native American Church, Potch Chee Nunk. Mr. Corwin Roth, Sr. will officiate. Interment will be in the John Stacy Memorial Cemetery, Wittenberg, where military honors will be conducted. Visitation will be on Friday from 2 PM until 6 PM at the church.
Memories and condolences may be given at schmidtschulta.com or on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home.
The family would like to thank the Wittenberg Fire and Ambulance Service, and Saint Clare’s Hospital Emergency Room staff for the care that they gave to Pete.