Peter J. (Pete) Harvey, age 88, died on Jan. 1, 2023, in Wausau, with his wife and children at his side after a brief bout with bone cancer. Pete was born in Rhinelander on Sept. 3, 1934 to the late William and Catherine (Charrey) Harvey, the youngest of nine children. He attended Rhinelander High School as well as Nicolet Technical College. After high school, Pete enlisted in the United States Air Force and received his honorable discharge in 1959. During his enlistment, he served in Okinawa as well as in the states.
After returning home, he went on to serve for many years in the Wisconsin Army National Guard.
In 1961, Pete married Carolyn Clure and they enjoyed over 61 of marriage together.
Pete worked for many years for the Rhinelander Paper Company. Upon retirement, Pete and his wife bought a home in Sun City, Ariz. and they lived there for over 20 years enjoying the sunshine and the golf; his game improving steadily from daily play. Pete and Carolyn enjoyed the numerous family visits and spent countless days traveling and exploring many sites all over the Southwest. In 2021 they moved back to Wisconsin to be near family and settled in Wausau.
Pete's faith in the Lord was his rock, and he leaned hard on his faith during his medical battles. He always knew that God was by his side, guiding him through his life journey.
The family is thankful for the many pastors and church associates that were such a huge part of Pete's life. Additionally, the entire family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the Aspirus Hospice Care team for the outstanding attention and care that they provided during Pete's illness.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brothers William, Owen, Edward, Douglas and Thomas, and his sisters Catherine, Sister Mary Ann, and Sister Mary Peter.
In addition to Carolyn, Pete is survived by his son Greg (Karen) Harvey, daughter Rita (Ken) Fanning, grandchildren Jennifer Pittsley, Brad (Kaylee) Harvey, Drew Colborn, and Kevin (Alyssa) Colborn. He is further survived by the lights of his life, his great-grandchildren Brayden, Alexis, Evan, Cadence, Camilla and Jaxx.
His grandchildren and great-grandchildren did no wrong, and he played with them and invented silly, made-up games for them to play.
Pete firmly believed that all children should be loved and cherished.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Jan. 13, 2023 at The Pines Event Center, 5840 Forest Lane, Rhinelander, beginning with visitation at 11 a.m., a brief service at noon, with a luncheon to follow.
Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family at this time.
Online condolences can be expressed at mwcs.ws. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Rhinelander High School Class of 1980 Scholarship Fund; checks must be made out to "The Class of 1980" and mailed (or via online banking) to BMO Harris Bank, PO BOX 280, Rhinelander, WI 54501.
Checks may also be personally delivered at the Celebration of Life gathering.
Reader Comments
Posted: Friday, February 3, 2023
Article comment by:
Jackie Boyer
Carolyn, Rita and family. I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I'm sure Pete will be missed.
Posted: Friday, January 6, 2023
Article comment by:
Lynn (Tuchalski)Kielhold
Rita & Ken and Caroline along with Fred and his family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all and I am so sorry for your loss. Pete was a great guy and will be missed!
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