""Pickle ball Pete" was a true friend. I only wish that I had known Pete sooner. A true follower of Jesus Christ. After reading his obituary I am sorry that Pete and I did not get to know each other better. We were acquaintances on the pickle ball court but we also shared a similar background with carpentry and a love for Jesus our mutual Savior. Blessings to Geraldine and children."
In loving memory of
Peter C Maier
January 24, 1932 - May 11, 2019
Peter was born in Chicago, Illinois to Carl and Agnes Maier. His father was a carpenter and taught him the trade. Peter spent several years working a variety of jobs in maintenance and carpentry and even built a house on his own. He was drafted into the Army and was stationed in Germany. When he returned to Chicago, he met Geraldine at a Catholic Singles Club. They were married in January of 1964 and had 6 children. Peter and Geraldine celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this year!
In 1975, he moved his family from Mt. Prospect, Illinois, to an eight-acre farm in Cambria, Wisconsin. He wanted to give them room to run and to teach them life skills, like raising animals and growing vegetables. He was proud of how his children developed a love for hard work and how they became good stewards of all that God provided.
He was a proud carpenter for 50 years with Local 314. But he was so much more than a carpenter; he was a good teacher, provider, father and husband. He leaves a legacy of faithfulness, loyalty, and love.
Peter was a deeply religious man and devout Catholic. Through rain, snow, sleet, or hail, Peter and Geraldine, along with their 6 children, filled a pew each Sunday. On Sunday evenings after dinner, he would lead the discussion of the sermon that day. He taught his children to be humble, compassionate, and to always serve God and others.
He lost two of his children, John and Steven, to automobile accidents along the way, but his faith held strong. He knew they were in Heaven with God and he would be there one day to see them again. His other 4 children married and gave him 15 wonderful grandchildren and 3 beautiful great-grandchildren. He always expressed such genuine interest in what was going on with each and every member of his family!
Peter never stopped moving. After he retired, he stayed busy helping his adult children with construction projects, fixing things in his shed, or checking on his fruit trees and vegetable garden. He and Geraldine became snowbirds and went to Bradenton, Florida for the winters. There, Peter started playing the game of pickle ball. He soon became known as "Pickleball Pete". He played up until last year at the age of 86.
Peter never shared his pain with anyone, not even his wife. He always had a joke and smile on his face even when he was suffering. No one ever really knew how bad he felt. He always believed that his suffering could never be as great as Jesus' was when he was nailed to a cross to die for our sins. Peter lost his battle with cancer while in Florida this Spring.
He will always be remembered with a smile and a chuckle any time someone says "unbelievable!". He used that word often and said it with such emphasis, it always made us smile.
His resting place will be next to his two boys, but their spirits are in Heaven. Have peace and smile knowing he no longer suffers but instead, is reaping the reward of being "a good and faithful servant" of Christ. He will be truly missed, but comfort comes from knowing that we will all be reunited with him again.
He is survived by his wife, Geraldine, his children; Paul, (Dione), Norma-Jean (Pete), Charlene (Dan) and Mark (Amy).
We love you Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, and Friend.
Visitation will be from 11:00-1:30 PM on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church, 221 Columbus St, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 with a rosary prayer to begin at 10:30 AM. Mass of Christian Burial at the church will follow at 1:30 PM. Private burial will take place at Pardeeville Cemetery.
Cress Funeral Service
1310 Emerald Terrace
Sun Prairie, WI 53590