Peter Vande Hei

Peter J. Vande Hei, 75, Pittsfield, passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022. He was born September 16, 1946, to the late Benjamin and Grace (Fonder) Vande Hei. Pete was a 1964 graduate of Green Bay West High School. On April 27, 1966, he was united in marriage for 56 years to Sharon Giese, and the couple had three children.

Pete was a proud Vietnam War Veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968. He was a member of the Oneida VFW Post #7784. One of his fond memories was participating in a Vietnam War Honor Flight on September 11, 2019, which he sincerely enjoyed. Pete also served as Assistant Chief of the Oneida Volunteer Fire Department. He began his working career as a flooring installer, and later worked as a welder and truck driver. He worked for Schuh Constructon, and ended his career with McKeefry & Sons.

Pete loved to cook and eat. He enjoyed his Tuesday "breakfast club" at Barley's and going for fish frys on Fridays at South Chase Saloon. He grilled out for the VFW brat frys and Oneida Fire Department's annual Fireman picnics. Pete also enjoyed cooking for events at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bear Creek. He always cooked breakfast for his hunting buddies. In retirement, his enjoyment was to grocery shop, and he could always tell you when there was a good meat sale. Pete would never pass up a good game of cribbage.

Pete always kept himself busy, and was always happy to help his family and anyone who needed help with projects. His greatest passion in life was spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, of whom Pete always came up with clever nicknames. His last project was making a food trailer, "Big Mouth Gyros," with a grandson, and one of his favorite sons-in-law.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon; two daughters: Yvonne "Toots" (Steve) Rohan, Kathy "Peanut" (Rick) Skeens; ten grandchildren: Ben "Benny" (Chelsea), Mackenzie "Mac," Cole, Samantha "Hammy" (Corey), Allie "Al" (Rey Jose), Nathan (Kristy), Tyler "Baby Ty," Emma "Em" (Matthew), Levi "Fred" (Taylor), and Abigail "Wilma"; eight great-grandchildren: "Sid", "Little Man," "Ashwey," "The Bear," Carson, Kinsley, "Little Jose," and "Pat," and two on the way; one brother, Chris (Marge) Vande Hei; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Pete was preceded in death by one son, Paul Vande Hei; his in-laws, Harold and Dorothy Giese; and one sister-in-law, Sandy Hoffman.

Visitation will take place at Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home on Sunday, January 30, 2022, from 3:00 pm until a Closing Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation continues on Monday, January 31, 2022, at St. John Catholic Church, Seymour, from 9:30 a.m until the time of services at 11:00 a.m., Fr. Tim Shillcox, O. Praem officiating, and Deacon Rich Matuszak assisting. Military honors by the VFW Post #7784 in Oneida will follow.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be expressed to Pete's family at www.muehlboettcher.com