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Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home

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Montour Falls, New York

Peter Argetsinger Obituary

Peter Argetsinger

Sebring, FL/Watkins Glen, NY - Peter O. Argetsinger, 69, of Sebring, Florida and Watkins Glen, New York, died peacefully on February 6 at his upstate New York home, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by Sjoukje Schipstra, his beloved wife of 45 years, and his devoted children Kimberley Argetsinger of New York City and J.C.G. Argetsinger of Los Angeles.

Pete pursued a 47-year career as a professional road racing driver until his health failed last fall. He had successes on the world's major courses, initially in Europe and then in the US and South America. Starting with Formula Ford racing in Germany, he eventually won the British Championship of this series, moving to Formula Three, sports cars, sedans, as well as IMSA and Daytona prototypes. Up until his final days, he was sought after for the 2020 season as a driver and coach.

Pete was a well-known figure in racing circles here and abroad, was inducted into the Road Racing Drivers' Association, and served on the governing council of the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen. Based on his extensive knowledge and experience, Pete was asked to design several race tracks. A popular speaker, he was a gifted and witty raconteur.

Born to Cameron and Jean Argetsinger, February 22, 1950 in Youngstown, Ohio, Pete grew up in Burdett, New York, and graduated from Watkins Glen High School. His father founded and organized the Watkins Glen Grand Prix races, exposing Pete to racing at an early age.

Pete started driving at the age of five on his dad's lap in a Packard 400. This naturally led to go-carting. As a teenager, he and his brothers would wait until the late hours to go out and drive the famed Glen track in their father's fast sports cars and the MG TF 1500 Pete bought for $200 when he was sixteen. Pete still owned and took his MG out on the original track until this last year.

A natural athlete from birth, Pete was captain of his high school football team when he met the love of his life, Sjoukje, an exchange student from the Netherlands who was the homecoming queen. The next year, Pete was off to Gettysburg College and Sjoukje to university in the Netherlands. Improbably, Pete managed to travel frequently to Holland during his college years, and moved to Europe following his graduation. The couple married in 1974 and located in Germany.

Pete was named the German Rookie of the Year Formula Ford 1974. He set the series' fastest lap at the famous Hockenheimring and helped his Team Royale clinch the European FF Title. After numerous wins, Pete and Sjoukje moved to England where Pete captured the 1980 British Formula Ford Championship and was voted British Driver of the Year (BRSCC). In the off season, Pete coached at the Brands Hatch Drivers' pSchool. As one of the top instructors, he was asked to establish a branch of the school in the US, moving to Florida with his young family in 1988.

Continuing his racing successes, from Elkhart Lake to Daytona, Pete developed as an outstanding driver coach, guiding the careers of many young future champions with a client list that includes world champion Damon Hill, Indy 500 winners Juan Pablo Montoya, Ryan Hunter-Raey, and Alexander Rossi, Indycar's Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, the U.S. State Department's Anti-Terrorist Division, and even members of England's House of Lords. Additionally, he instructed at the Skip Barber racing school, tutored private clients, and was Chief Instructor of the Formula BMW young drivers series here and in Europe. With Sjoukje at his side, Pete ran his own popular invitational race events, entertaining guests and friends trackside and at their home.

With his teaching skills, infinite patience, kindness, and gregarious personality, Pete was dearly loved by his many nieces and nephews and the young children of friends, whether instructing them in sailing on Seneca Lake or taking them for rides in his treasured MG-TF.

Pete is also survived by six siblings: JC (Joan) of Montour Falls, Louise (Tom) of Rochester, Marya of Illinois, Margretta - Getchie (Kevin) of New York City, Rob of Illinois, and Duke (Nick) of Waterloo, NY, as well as his family in The Netherlands. His brothers Sam and Michael predeceased him in 2014 and 2015.

The family will receive friends from 5 pm to 8 pm on Friday, February 14th at the Vedder-Scott & Zinger funeral home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls, New York.

Pete's funeral mass will be held at St Mary's Of The Lake Church, 905 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, New York on Saturday, February 15th at 11 am.

To leave the family a message of condolence, or to light a "Candle of Remembrance", please visit www.vedderscottandzinger.com

Published by Star-Gazette from Feb. 8 to Feb. 11, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
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Shared my Audi TT with Peter at WGI, We both drove. Unforgettable experience, his driving expertise and personality were incredible.
Waldo "Bud" Burdick, Audi Club Instructor.

April 8, 2020

david russell

February 27, 2020

Peter was a Senior at Gettysburg College when I was a Freshman. He was always happy and talkative while flipping dough at the Pizza House. Can still remember that Senior yearbook picture of him driving that MG. So happy to hear that he kept it all these years. May you always have a great drive going forward on that infinite track in the sky.
RIP Pete.

Chuck Brinkmann

February 15, 2020

Sjoukje and family,
So very sorry to learn of Peters passing. What a kind and gentle person he was.
I will always cherish our friendship.

Allan Ziegelman

February 14, 2020

Barry Waddell

February 13, 2020

Stephanie Economu

February 13, 2020

JOSEPH COURTNEY

February 13, 2020

Dear Sjoukje and family: So very sorry for your loss and a wonderful WGCS '68 classmate. He will be surely missed. Praying for God's comfort and strength for you each day. That wonderful smile! Looking forward to seeing him again one day in Heaven.

Carol "Murphy" Armstrong

February 13, 2020

Although we have not been in touch for years, the last time we spoke made 1979 seem like yesterday and inspired me to hope I would cross paths with Peter and Sjoukje again soon. Peter was always vibrant and optimistic and brought the best out of his friends. He will be dearly missed.

Peter Lloyd

Friend

February 12, 2020

James Mcgee

February 12, 2020

My condolences to the Argetsinger family. I didn't know Pete well but every time we met he was always kind and fun to talk to. He has left a great mark on the sport we love. God bless and Godspeed...

Frank Spena, Jr.

February 12, 2020

Melissa Cantor

February 12, 2020

I am so sorry to learn of Pete's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Joyce (Gaige) Gage

February 12, 2020

Met Pete as my instructor at Skip Barber Racing School circa 2002 in Sebring. Absolute gentlemen, storyteller and world class instructor. After all these years I still remember his personality like I was there yesterday. I've never laughed AND learned more in 3 days in my entire life!

Terribly sorry to hear of his passing and my heartfelt condolences (along with the entire Shelton family) go out to the Argetsinger family. The world has lost a great man.

Godspeed, Pete

Wes Shelton

February 12, 2020

a loved one

February 12, 2020

With such happy memories of Pete and the early days at Brands Hatch. Such a nicer person you could never meet. RIP Pete you were a one off. Condolences to all the Family. Ros xx

Ros Jones

Friend

February 12, 2020

Dear Sjouke and family, We are so sad to hear of Petes passing. The beautiful life you all shared with Pete as loving wife, daughter, son, brother and sister will always remain in your hearts. What an absolute blessing to have such a wonderful man be a part of our lives. God bless you all, always remember: You are surrounded by love.

Tom and

Friend

February 11, 2020

Really going to miss your smile.... RIP Peter, Godspeed....

Chip Wright

Friend

February 11, 2020

A wonderful man who always had a smile and a good word be it at the track or at the IMRRC. May God Bless his Soul.

David Kane

Friend

February 11, 2020

My condolences to Peter's family and friends.
I only met Peter recently, but was struck by his talent, kindness and generosity of spirit.
He will be missed.

John Mott

February 11, 2020

Condolences to our quilting friend Sjoukje from the Elmira Piecemakers Quilting Group. We hope you will return to our group, now with 135 members, when you are able. Peace to the Argetsinger family. --Mary Kohan, Sheila Mills, and others.

February 11, 2020

We are so sorry to hear of Peters passing! We considered him a family friend and a fellow racer who loved to talk racing ! Our prayers and thoughts are with the family! Chuck and Faith Ciprich, Florida

Chuck and Faith Ciprich

February 11, 2020

Pete and I were great friends from our teenage years until his passing. Can't forget the fun we had especially with automobiles and just hanging out. He was one of the nicest people I ever knew and so very intelligent. I will never forget you and will see you again when Jesus calls me home. Frank Spena Sr.

February 10, 2020

Sad to hear he has passed away.
Sent some good times with him at Brands Hatch

February 10, 2020

peter maciulewicz

February 10, 2020

Peter was kind and generous. He devoted his life to teaching and mentoring others. The experiences and lessons taught by Peter will be one of the many tributes that will continue his legacy. I traveled the county with Peter, there were many long hard days that were always brightened by Peter's great sensor of humor and ability to tell a joke. I am thankful to have known Peter and will forever miss him.

Chris Musante

February 10, 2020

Chris Musante

February 10, 2020

Renee Musante

February 10, 2020

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

February 9, 2020

Ken D'Arcy

February 9, 2020

I am deeply saddened to learn of Peter's passing. It was a one of life's gifts having known him. My heart goes out to his entire family.

Ron Freudenheim

February 9, 2020

So many great memories with both Pete and Sjoukje starting from the first day we rode together. The first race we drove together Pete took me for breakfast, we finished 2nd in class and 3rd overall. From that day on he took me for breakfast every race day, he loved breakfast but just maybe a little superstitious as well.

We shared long drives to tracks, some long endurance races, deep conversations about so many things. I loved you like a brother and will miss you terribly.

Ken D'Arcy

February 9, 2020

Keep that beaming smile in heaven Pete

Andy Mackie

February 9, 2020

Pete, it was an honor to call you a friend and to work with you for the brief time we did. Such a gentleman and historian of our sport, what a career and life. To say you will missed falls way short of reality.
God speed friend
Your Fall-Line Motorsports Team

Steve Zabel

February 9, 2020

Henry Gilbert

February 9, 2020

Henry Gilbert

February 9, 2020

Henry Gilbert

February 9, 2020

Henry Gilbert

February 9, 2020

Henry Gilbert

February 9, 2020

Henry Gilbert

February 9, 2020

Henry Gilbert

February 9, 2020

Henry Gilbert

February 9, 2020

Henry Gilbert

February 9, 2020

A talented race car driver; terrific coach/mentor - and a very good friend. RIP Pete. You will be missed.

Terry Dale

February 9, 2020

Dan has many great memories of growing up with Pete. As neighbors in Burdett, the lake cottage and as school classmates they spent time together being mischievous boys.

Dan and Pete lost touch for several years after high school, while Pete was in Europe. When Pete and Sjoukje came to Florida, Dan and I connected with them. Dan and Pete spent time at the track.

When Dan's mom passed, Pete visited and we all reconnected in Burdett.

Our last visit to NY was for the 50th class reunion. We are so happy that we got to see Pete and Sjoukje then. Pete was a great friend that we will always remember. No matter how many years passed between seeing him, we could pick up where we left off.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sjoukje and the family during this difficult time.

Dan & Lorraine Gaige

February 9, 2020

a loved one

February 9, 2020

Team driver, fellow racer, gentleman, coach. Checkered flag. RIP my old friend.

Frank DelVecchio

February 9, 2020

To my dear friend and Coach. With love and gratitude. Rest In Peace.

Stephanie Economu

Friend

February 9, 2020

Rest In Peace Coach. Thank you for your storytelling, your smile, your friendship and your overall excellence as a human being. You are forever in my heart and I will miss you.

Stephanie Economu

Friend

February 9, 2020

Pete, I will miss you dearly and always cherish our 35 year friendship. Thanks for all the memories, so many to remember. Rest in peace my friend.

Henry Gilbert

Friend

February 9, 2020

Henry Gilbert

February 9, 2020

Pete
Thank you for the great memories.
Always the gentleman and a great role model. You will be missed.

T Thompson

February 9, 2020

Dear Peter, you were a great man and a great driver!

Craig Horning

February 9, 2020

Pete and family, sorry to hear about Petes passing. I always enjoyed visiting with Pete at WGI. when Skip Barber racing was at WGI. and talking with him in Seebring Fl.
Always a Gentleman

Jim Leonard

February 8, 2020

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Feb

14

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home

122 N. Genessee St., Montour Falls, NY 14865

Feb

15

Service

11:00 a.m.

St Mary's Of The Lake Church

905 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY

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Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home

122 N. Genessee St., Montour Falls, NY 14865

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