Pete P. Faytus

Pete P. Faytus, age 91, passed away at home in Richmond Township on Monday, July 15, 2024, after a brief illness. He was born on August 21, 1932 in Milwaukee to John and Viola M. (Gaethke) Faytus. Pete was raised in the Southside and during WW II he lived with his Aunt Della Differt and grandparents Edward and Bessie Gaethke. He attended Casimir Pulaski High School and graduated from Solomon Juneau High School as one of the few "country" students in 1950.

After working in a factory deburring Bazooka tubes he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves in April 1951. He transferred to the U.S. Air Force in Feb. 1952 as the U.S. Army attempted to draft him. Pete attended schools at Warren AFB, WY, Keesler AFB, MS, and Chanute AFB, IL. He was an aircraft electrician and served in SAC at March AFB, CA, Parks AFB, CA, Travis AFB, CA, and Smoky Hills AFB, KS. Pete volunteered for overseas duty in the Pacific twice. From Aug. 1954 until Aug. 1957 he was stationed at Johnson AFB, Japan in the 3rd Bomb Wing, 35th Field Maintenance Squadron and at Yokota AFB, Japan in the 35th Fighter Interceptor Wing, 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 67th Field Maintenance Squadron. He was stationed at Yokota AFB and TDY at K-55 Korea on his second tour from Feb. 1959 until Nov. 1960. He was discharged at the rank of Staff Sargeant on Nov. 21, 1960 at Travis AFB, CA.

Pete married Ruriko Minagawa on Nov. 24, 1959 at the American Embassy, Tokyo and had a wedding ceremony at the Basilica of Saint Josephat in Milwaukee on Nov. 7, 1961.

After his discharge, he was employed at the George Meyer plant in Milwaukee until Sept. 1966 when his Uncle Len Gaethke hired him and he relocated his family to Whitewater. He was a member of Carpenter's Local 836 in Janesville and was employed throughout Southeast WI as a commercial carpenter, millwright, and foreman. Pete also served as union stewart, as Local 836 recording secretary for 13 years, and on the executive board. He was a member of locals 161 Kenosha and 314 Madison at various times as well and retired in 1990.

Pete was a talented artist who favored oil and watercolors. He enjoyed reading, studying architectural designs of ancient cultures, gardening, and birdwatching. Pete was a long-time member of the NRA and American Legion. In his younger days, he enjoyed hunting, especially duck hunting. He also loved to travel and had visited every state except Alaska.

Pete is survived by his son Lenert (Stacie) Faytus of Delavan; step-daughter Michiko Tsuruga of Japan; grandson Lewis Faytus of Chicago; granddaughter Christine Faytus of Delavan; step-granddaughters Rie Ishikawa and Tomomi Tsuruga of Japan; great-grandsons Bentley and Arthur; great-granddaughters Brynn, Kylie, and Amara; and step-great-grandsons Shunta. Eisuka, and Akito. He is further survived by a sister, Roberta Mashlan of Milwaukee; brothers Harold (Leslie) Blaize Jr. of Montana, Anthony (Frances) Blaize, and James Blaize, both of Oak Creek.

He was preceeded in death by his wife of 64 years, Ruriko; his parents; his step-father Harold Blaize Sr.; and grandson John Faytus.

Pete requested that no service be held. HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, Janesville is assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent to www.henkeclarson.com. Inurnment will be at Milton Lawns Memorial Park.

The family would like to give special thanks to Rainbow Hospice for their exceptional care and caring for Pete.