Photo courtesy of BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME
Brookfield, Wisconsin
1944 - 2017
Dec 22, 1944 – Jan 5, 2017
Born in Ipswich, England to Jack Holzhauer and Joan Howard Holzhauer, Pete became a Wisconsin resident at the age of 3. Husband and best friend to Jane Russell Holzhauer, father to Brenna (Pete), Ryan (Denise) and John (Jane), brother of Mike (Beth), Mary, Patti, Paul and David (Sandy), in-law, cousin, uncle, great uncle, and beloved friend of many, Pete will be missed dearly. He defeated the odds against aggressive cancer for ten years, finally succumbing after spending the holidays with family and friends.
Pete attended Christ King, Marquette University High School (1963), Marquette University (1967), the Medical College of Wisconsin (1972), and completed his medical internship in Seattle, WA. He was a pioneer of Emergency Medicine, providing expert care, comfort, and jokes to his Milwaukee-area patients for 40+ years. He served proudly as medical director for Milwaukee County and Pewaukee EMS.
Pete spent free time at his farm in Southwestern Wisconsin, restoring the land, hiking the hills, and sharing his slice of heaven with family and friends for 40+ years. He was a talented musician, performing in folk groups, managing 1960s Milwaukee rock bands, and playing guitar for friends and relatives. He was a photographer, pilot, traveler, and adventurer, taking every opportunity to explore beautiful places, cultures, foods, and friends around the globe. He truly lived life to the fullest, inspiring everyone he met with his positive spirit, humor, wisdom, and strength.
A visitation will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday, January 9 from 4 to 6:45 PM, followed by a memorial service at 7 PM. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please send donations in Pete’s honor to support some of his favorite causes: Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Wisconsin Public Radio, Ocooch Mountain Rescue (Gays Mills Volunteer EMS) or Marquette University High School.
Deepest sympathies to the family. A donation was made in his honor by book club friends of Shannon Russell Budinich to Wisconsin Public Radio. Very cool to learn he was so involved w music and arts in Milwaukee. Much love to you all, BBB.
Megan Simkus
January 12, 2017 | Wauwatosa, WI
Jane and kids, I am so sorry to hear of Pete's passing. A great Husband and Dad. I will always remember his great smile and tender heart. I recall my babysitting days, taking care of the kids and an occasional trip to the farm. Even my first plane ride with Pete, as our pilot, Jane, Brenna and Ryan to Chicago. Pete was a man with many talents and will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jennifer (Hoffman) Kroeger
January 11, 2017 | West Bend, WI
We were so sorry to hear of Pete's passing. We had the pleasure of spending time with the Holzhauers at their farm one weekend many years ago. Invited by Maureen and Greg Gunderson (Maureen is our sis-in-law) to a big shindig at the farm. We were delighted to spend time and see all the amazing improvements made to the farmhouse (great use of space to add additional sleeping spots) and enjoyed watching pumpkins (or some type of vegetable) being shot out of the recently made cannon. You have...
Deb & Jay Gunderson
January 11, 2017 | Mount Horeb, WI
So, so sorry :( I will be keeping Peter, his wife Janie, Peter's children, family and friends in my thoughts, heart and prayers. I remember a calm, cool, really nice good person with a warm smile. RIP Peter, your legacy will live on.
Craig Krampf
January 10, 2017
Janie and family, We were so sorry to hear of your husband Peter's death. Know that we are thinking of you all and we know that the Russell family have all gathered to give each other their for love and support. You have an awesome family and I know you must all be sad about Pete's passing but he fought a good fight and now is having a reunion in Heaven with those who welcome him with open arms.
Jim and Kathy {Mooney} La Belle
January 10, 2017
I was a classmate of Pete's at Marquette High School. He sat to my right in typing class when we were seniors in 1963. Pete always had a smile on his face and was one of the the nicest guys you could ever meet. He also use to come to CYO dances at St John's DeNepomoc to see my band, The Chevrons, play. I haven't even known him all these years yet I'm going to miss him. Strange isn't it? My condolences go out to the family.
Tom Olivas
January 09, 2017 | Mukwonago, WI
My wife and I have known Peter since the late 1970's when he worked in the ED at Trinity Memorial Hospital. Not only was he an excellent and caring physician, but a gentleman and humble person. We will miss an extraordinary human being. It was a pleasure and honor to work with him. Both Peter and his family are in our prayers.
Tim/Bobbi Navarro
January 09, 2017 | Oak Creek, WI
To all the Holzhaurer family , your friends at Sunrise Orchards would like to extend our deepest sympathy. Dr. Pete lit up the orchard every time he stopped by for apples and we are proud to have called him a customer and friend. Dr. Pete offered me such a steady hand and courage as my wife battled cancer. May you both share an apple and a sip of cider in heaven.
Allen Teach
Sunrise Orchards
Gays Mills, WI
Allen Teach
January 08, 2017 | Gays Mills, WI
To the entire Holzhauer family,
I am so sorry to hear of Pete's passing away. Our parents were good friends of Jack and Joan. I remember fondly of boating on Lake Michigan, iceboating on Pewaukee Lake and many happy times spent with the Holzhauer family growing up. I remember his fondness for music in the 60's. My heart goes out to Jane and the entire family. God bless you all.
Beverly Zinda Berres
Cave Creek, AZ
January 08, 2017
