Harry Andrew Pigsley Sr.

Harry Andrew Pigsley Sr., also known as HAP, passed from this life on September 29, 2026, at his home from natural causes, ~2 months shy of his 86th birthday. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Prince Pigsley and Benjamin Pigsley Jr.; sisters Tereesa Atkins, Francis Henderson, Lyla Halstead; and beloved grandson Bryant Ellingson.

He is survived by his loving partner and best friend, Margie Krueger, with whom he shared a beautiful home in Oconomowoc, WI on upper Genesee Lake.

He was a loving devoted father who imparted many life lessons to his six children who dearly miss him: Bernadette (Berni) Ellingson of Cambridge, WI, Harry (Hap) Pigsley Jr. (Heidi) of Portage, WI, Marialane (Maria) Pigsley of Milwaukee, WI, Kenneth (Ken) Pigsley (Linda) of Greenville, WI, James (Jim) Pigsley of Denver, CO, and Michelle Zangara (David) of Milton, WI.

He had six grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Bryant Ellingson, Brandon Ellingson (Cristie VandenHeuvel), Megan Pigsley, Kayleigh Pigsley, Vincent Zangara and Frances Zangara; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was born December 3, 1940, in Iowa City, IA, son of Benjamin Pigsley Sr. and Mabel (Swolley) Pigsley. He grew up in West Liberty, IA and graduated from West Liberty High School in 1959. On October 29, 1960, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Burr (Cedarburg, WI), to whom he was married for 25 years. They are proud of their six amazing children who are all accomplished and excelled in various careers.

In his early years he played semi pro football until a shoulder injury sidelined him. He served in the US Army and was honorably discharged March 31, 1964. He had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing in a Barbershop Quartet in Davenport, IA.

He was a quick study, mechanically inclined, and a hard worker with lifelong varied job experiences: John Deere as a draftsman, then a mechanic who could listen to an engine on any vehicle and tell you what was wrong with it and how to fix it. This evolved into ownership of “Self Service Auto Center” in Davenport, IA. Eventually his career brought his family to Wisconsin in 1979 for an opportunity in the high-reach equipment business with Badgerland Equipment. In the 1990’s he joined Platt Construction, Inc. as Director of Safety Services. He was a resolute hardworking individual who always put the needs of others ahead of his own. He was the “go-to person” as he was always ready to lend a helping hand, provide support and offer words of guidance or encouragement to whomever needed it. In 1996 he was awarded “Safety Person of the Year” by the Wisconsin Center District in “recognition of achievement in accident prevention and appreciation of continued commitment”. In 1997 the Wisconsin Center District again awarded him in “recognition and appreciation for continued commitment to substance abuse prevention in construction”. He was instrumental in assisting the company in building the foundation for the Miller Park Baseball Stadium (now American Family Field). His name is engraved on the “Miller Park Heroes” wall, located at the stadium, which acknowledges the hands that assisted in building the ballpark with the inscription “Miller Park will forever be known as the “House that Labor Built””.

After his retirement from Platt, he remained vivacious and enthusiastic about safety compliance and began a safety consultant business which provided construction safety and OSHA adherence seminars across the midwest.

He was known for singing happy little songs and catchy tunes; and for his humorous sayings and clever quotes. His storytelling and sense of humor are legendary.

He was a passionate father and participated fully in the lives of his children. For many years he taught Catholic religious education classes (CCD) at St Jerome’s Catholic Church in Oconomowoc. He enjoyed being involved and attending his kids’ sporting events, Scouts, music concerts, theatrical productions, and numerous graduations. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s birthday parties and school events, and watching them play soccer.

He shared a passion for sports with his family and was a huge lifelong Packer fan. He coached his sons’ little league baseball and “pee wee” football teams. He loved watching his sons play football, cheering and whistling loudly in the stands.

He was an impressive chef, creating countless wonderful meals and was known for numerous specialty dishes that were family favorites and requested at events. His BBQ sauce and chili often won first place when his kids entered the delicious dishes into their workplace or college campus competitions.

Hap was bigger than life. His hands could fix ANYTHING. His commanding voice, witty sense of humor, and magnetic personality would fill a room. Most of all, however, he was not only a loving father, grandfather and uncle, he was a lifelong mentor and true inspiration to many. He was a very GREAT man who will be deeply missed and forever remembered fondly by his loving family and the countless number of people whose lives were changed for the better by knowing him.

Catholic Funeral Mass

Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 1:00- ~2:00 pm central time

St Francis Borgia Catholic Church (North)

1375 Covered Bridge Rd.

Cedarburg, WI

Livestream of the service: https://www.youtube.com/live/7M9gdKkNVB4

Cemetery Committal Service

Immediately following mass, approximately 2:30 pm central time

Saint Francis Borgia Catholic Cemetery

7963 Pioneer Road (County Highway C)

Mequon, WI

Celebration of Life

Immediately following Committal Service (~3:00-5:00 pm)

St Francis Borgia Catholic Church (South)

N44 W6055 Hamilton Rd.

Cedarburg, WI

The family wishes to thank everyone for their love and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, we suggest planting a tree or making a donation to the American Heart Association in Hap’s memory.