Jerome "Pete" Joseph Petroskey

Jerome “Pete” Joseph Petroskey, age 96, (well…97 in his eyes), after years of being “one notch away”, finally reached perfection surrounded by his family on June 25, 2025.

Pete was born on October 29, 1928, in Antigo, WI to Louis and Rose Petroskey.

Growing up on a dairy farm, Pete learned the value of hard work early on. He began his career as a journeyman lineman with Hooper Construction until he enlisted in the Army, spending two years in Germany serving our country during the Korean War. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to Hooper, where he remained until his retirement.

Pete met the love of his life, LaVonne (nee Knapp), in Antigo, and they were married on October 4, 1958. They shared 66 years of devoted marriage as best friends and partners in all things. Together, they raised two loving and caring daughters, Diane and Julie, who were the pride of their lives.

Pete will be remembered for his quick wit and a playful jab in the side, his deep love for the Northwoods, and many rounds of golf shared with dear friends. He loved to tinker in his garage, had a passion for building unique gifts in his woodworking shop, and he was never too far from a Twinkie or chocolate chip cookie to satisfy his legendary sweet tooth.

After retiring, he spent his mornings looking after a close friend’s lake property, keeping watch with the same care he brought to all he did. His afternoons were devoted to his granddaughters, Molly and Emma, ensuring they made it to every dance class, music lesson, and sports practice on time, a role he cherished as much as they did.

Pete is survived by his devoted wife, Vonnie, his daughters, Diane Paar and Julie (David) Niedfeldt; his beloved grandchildren, Molly, Emma, Jeff (Lexi), Alex, Mackenzie, Hailey, and Spencer; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Germaine Vignone, along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Pete is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Wilber and Wiley Petroskey; his sister, Louise Brandt; son-in-law Russel Paar; great-grandson, Remy Niedfeldt and additional relatives too many to mention.

For the past ten years, Pete shared a cherished friendship with his buddy Leo Gross — starting most mornings early for coffee together, a tradition he deeply enjoyed.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at St. Jerome Catholic Church (995 S Silver Lake St, Oconomowoc, WI). Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at noon. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Jerome Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family or the “Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Wisconsin” in Pete’s name are most welcome.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the Aurora Home Hospice team.