Requiem In Peace

Pirsch employees and management death notices;

Richard L. Aiello, Sr.

b. Jan 7, 1938

d. Jul 3, 2006

Richard L. Aiello, Sr., 68, of Kenosha, died Monday, July 3rd, 2006, at his home.
Born January 7, 1938, in Kenosha, he attended St. Mark School and graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1955.

He was a member of the Wisconsin National Guard and was called to active duty with the 32nd Division at Fort Lewis-Washington during the Berlin crisis in 1960.
He was employed at Warwick Electronics, Zion IL; Webster Electric, Racine; Peter Pirsch Inc., and North Central Fire Apparatus, Kenosha.
As a member of the American Rose Society, he had been a Consulting Rosarian and an Emeritus Horticulture Judge. He was a founding and charter member of Gateway Rose Society.

Bruce "Six-Six" Benhoff

b. Jun 7, 1956

d. Nov 29, 2013

Bruce Benhoff passed away on Friday, Nov 29, 2013. He was botn in Kenosha on June 7, 1956, attended and graduated from the Kenosha school system. He was a lifelong resident of Kenosha and Northsider.

Bruce was a true Northsider in every sense of the word. He worked for MacWhyte Wire Rope, Peter Pirsch, and Chrysler. He was also a fixture for many years working as the king of pizza chefs at the Wisconsin Beer Gardens. Bruce was an avid Cubs and Packer fan.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bruce Six-Six Benhoff on Friday, Nov. 29, 2013.

Bruce was born in Kenosha on June 7, 1956, to Leander and Corinne (Stec) Benhoff. He attended and graduated from the Kenosha school system. Bruce was a lifelong resident of Kenosha and Northsider.

On Oct. 3, 1980, he married his best friend and soul mate, Jill Yorton. Bruce and Jill had been inseparable ever since they met.

Bruce was a true Northsider in every sense of the word. He worked for MacWhyte Wire Rope, Peter Pirsch, and Chrysler. He was also a fixture for many years working as the king of pizza chefs at the Wisconsin Beer Gardens. Bruce and Louie Cairo, the owner of the Beer Gardens, had that place rocking with their many skits as Jake and Elwood Blues, the Blues Brothers. Bruce also did a great Kate Smith singing God Bless America. With his many jokes, impressions of Rodney Dangerfield, and iconic rendition of Cab Calloways Minnie the Moocher, you never left Bruces presence without a smile on your face. He was one of a kind.

Bruce was an avid Cubs and Packer fan. The Cubs were very important to Bruce and Jill and they would fly the W flag on the porch after every win. These verses from Steve Goodmans A Dying Cub Fans Last Request tell the tale, build a fire out of your Louisville slugger bats and let my ashes blow in the prevailing Lake Michigan winds. When my ashes go flying over the left-field wall and I bid the world adieu, I will come to my final resting place out on Waveland Avenue.

Bruce loved life and adored his grandsons. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with them. He enjoyed reading, playing sports and teaching them values of life.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Jill Benhoff of Kenosha; his son, Nathan; his daughter, Nicole; his two grandsons, Joshua and Jacob; his mother, Corinne Benhoff; his two brothers, Ron (Jackie) Benhoff of Ahwatukee, Ariz., and John (Jennifer) Benhoff of Kenosha; and his two sisters, Lisa (Ray) Moravec, and Amy Benhoff, both of Kenosha.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leander Ben Benhoff, his paternal grandparents, Henry and Mary Benhoff; his maternal grandparents, Casmir and Agnes Stec; his nephew, David Moravec; his niece, Katie Moravec; and many favorite uncles and aunts.

A Memorial Service in celebration of Bruces life will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at 7 p.m. at the Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home. Private inurnment will take place in St. George Cemetery. A gathering of relatives and friends will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kenoshanews/obituary.aspx?pid=168252991#sthash.hJBM2RNr.dpuf

Gerald H. Buchman

b. Jun 20, 1930

d. Apr 29, 2015

Gerald H. “Jerry” Buchman, 84, of Pleasant Prairie, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, marking the end of another era.
Born in Kenosha on June 2, 1930, he was a legend, not only in the eyes of his family, but in the eyes of the hot rod world. He started out his painting career painting Peter Pirsch fire engines, and did so for many years, all the while being a huge competitor in old drag racing. He built from the ground up a ’41 Willys that was something to be reckoned with in its hay day. His painting skills and body work became known in his circle in the ‘50s and ‘60s, and he quickly became one of the most sought after street rod painters in not just the Midwest, but across the country. It’s not every day one gets approached by Willie G. Davidson to “chop” and paint a ’46 panel truck or “Big Daddy” Don Garlits to do some work on a rail car. He was a perfectionist and it showed in his body work, painting and everyday life.
After retiring from Peter Pirsch & Sons, he and his wife moved to Colorado in the mid ‘70s and built a log home by hand, one of his lifelong dreams. In 1986, they moved back to Kenosha.

George Eckhart

b. Sept 19, 1921

d. Jun 16, 2006

George Eckhart, 84, of Kenosha, passed away on Friday, June 16th, 2006, with his beloved wife and family by his side.
Born in Greeley, CO, on September 19, 1921, he was a lifelong resident of Kenosha and educated in local schools. George proudly served in the United States Army, 15th Air Force, 464th Bomb Group, 778th Bomb Squad, as a flight engineer, successfully flying over 50 missions in Europe, North Africa and Italy. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal for his service in World War II, 1944. He served from October 1942, until his honorable discharge in October 1945.
After the war, George returned home and married his sweetheart, Yolanda (Morrone) Eckhart on September 21, 1946. They were married for nearly 60 years.
He was employed for over 32 years as a lead man for fabrication of steel components for Peter Pirsch & Sons Co. After retirement, he proudly worked in welding for Platt Construction of Franklin, WI, retiring again in 1995.
George was an avid woodworker. He loved to build custom grandfather clocks in his home workshop. He loved to garden and share the "fruits of his efforts" with loved ones. George was also a "Great" Grandfather. He loved spending time with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren alike.

Herman Byron Edgerly

b. Oct 16, 1935

d. Jul 25, 2015

Racine-Herman Byron Edgerly; age 79; passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center..

Herman was born in Buena Vista, Wisconsin on October 16, 1935 to the late Buford A. and Mary Anna (nee: Miller) Edgerly. A graduate of Richland Center High School, Herman was employed by Rainfair, Peter Pirsch and Chrysler – from where he retired.

On September 27, 1958 in Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Nancy Carole (nee: Mickelson). Among his interests, Herman enjoyed gambling, automotive repair, woodworking and, above all, spending time with his cherished family – especially at their vacation home at Christmas Mountain in the Dells.

Earl Haag

b. Jul 17, 1918

d. Jan 2, 2006

Earl Haag, 87, of Kenosha, passed away on Monday, January 2, 2006 at Kenosha Care Center.

Born in Kenosha on July 17, 1918, he was a lifelong resident of Kenosha having graduated from Kenosha High School and the College of Commerce. In November 13, 1943, he married Jean Spakowicz in New Orleans, La. She preceded him in death on February 23, 2005.

He was Vice-President and Treasurer of Peter Pirsch Company and retired after 46 years of employment in 1983. He honorably served his country during World War II in the United States Army Air Corps.

Alfred F. Jahnke

b. Sept 1, 1928

d. Jun 2, 2005

Alfred F. Jahnke, 76, of Kenosha, passed away Thursday (June 2nd, 2005) at Sheridan Medical Complex.
Born September 1, 1928 in Kenosha, he was a lifetime resident of Kenosha.
He was a cook in the United States Air Force from January 25, 1946 until his honorable discharge on December 5, 1948.
In Kenosha, he married Aubrey Haubrich on July 7, 1947. They later divorced.
On December 11, 1976, in Kenosha, he married Lucille Colby. She passed away June 28, 2000.
He was employed by Simmons Co., Peter Pirsch and the American Brass retiring in 1993. He also ran a lawn service.

Werner W. Knueppel

b. Aug 16, 1913

d. Feb 26, 2009

Werner W. Knueppel, 95, of Kenosha, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2009 at United Hospital Systems St. Catherine's.

Born on August 16, 1913 in Pomerania, Germany, he was the son of the late Karl and Elsa (Magaritz) Knueppel.

On April 1, 1939 he married Gerda Gutbrodt in Berlin, Germany. She preceded him in death on December 26, 2008.

In 1954 he emigrated to American, coming to Kenosha in 1955.

Werner was employed by Peter Pirsch until his retirement.

Florian J. Kreft

b. Sept 27, 1927

d. Jul 7, 2012

Florian J. Kreft, 84, of Kenosha, passed away on Saturday, July 7, 2012, at United Hospital System-Kenosha Campus.
Born in Poniatowski, WI, in a log cabin on September 27, 1927, he was the son of the late Allie and Helen (Witucki) Kreft. He was educated in the schools of Edgar, WI, and moved to Kenosha in 1954.
Florian worked for the Pauley Cheese Co. in Edgar before coming to Kenosha, and then worked for a short time at Nash Motors before retiring after 30 years with the Peter Pirsch Co. as a foreman in the Final Assembly Dept.
Florian’s last words of advice to everyone are “One day at a time.”

George R. Layden

b.

d. May 31, 1981

Saint James Cemetery, Kenosha County, WI

Antonio Passarelli

b. Feb 20, 1927

d. Feb 18, 2013

Kenosha– Antonio “Tony” Passarelli, 85, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday morning, February 18, 2013.

Antonio was born in Marano Principato, Italy on February 20, 1927, he lived and worked in Argentina from 1949-1952. After immigrating to the United States in 1955, he returned to Italy to marry the love of his life, Carmela on December 20, 1964. They returned to the United States on February 28, 1965. With only one goal in life….to make a better life for his family…..Tony began his tireless working career at Simmons and, eventually, Peter Pirsch & Sons Inc. – from where he retired. Simultaneously, Tony also worked in the restaurant business for John DeRango for over 50 years. In the early 1990’s, he co-founded DeRango’s Restaurant on 22^nd Avenue in Kenosha and, more recently, was a proud supporter of his son’s business, Mario’s Italian Sports Bar & Restaurant in Racine. Struggling with Alzheimer’s Disease for the past 15 years, he enjoyed venturing out on daily neighborhood walks with the guidance of his faithful canine companion, Sonny. The only hobby Tony had was making sure his family’s wants and needs were met…..a goal he certainly attained. May he rest now in peace.

Domenico Ruffolo

b. Mar 5, 1925

d. Sept 3, 2011

Domenico Ruffolo, 86, of Pleasant Prairie, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2011, at Sheridan Medical Complex surrounded by his loving family.
Born on March 5, 1925, in Marano Marchesto Principato, Cosenza, Italy, Domenico came to Kenosha in 1967 and has resided here since. He worked in several countries, prior to his emigrating to the U.S., to support his family, and finally retiring from Peter Pirsch in Kenosha in 1986. In his spare time he enjoyed taking care of his garden, making wine and sausage; his hobbies included fishing, playing cards with his buddies, tinkering with carpentry or anything else that broke down and most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ron J. Schabowski

b. Mar 4, 1947

d. Apr 30, 2009

Ron J. Schabowsky, 62, of Kenosha, passed away Thursday, April 30th, 2009, at his residence.
Born on March 4, 1947, in Kenosha, he was a lifelong resident of Kenosha, he was educated in local schools and received a degree from the Layton Arts School in Milwaukee.
Ron was formerly employed as a metal fabricator with Peter Pirsch Co. and enjoyed art, restoring cars and playing music.

Thomas E. Wiegert

b. Oct 12, 1955

d. Jun 16, 2014

Thomas E. Wiegert, 58, of Eckert, CO, formerly of Kenosha, passed away on June 16, 2014, at St. Marys Hospital & Medical Center in Grand Junction, CO, following a heart attack.

Thomas was born on Oct 12, 1955, and after high school her worked at American Motors lakefront plant and painted at Peter Pirsch. In the early 80's he moved wet to Las Vegas, NV and worked in pest control, eventually opening his own pest control business while raising his son Bryan. Tom and Bryan later moved to Washington State, and then later settled in Colorado where he worked for American Gypsum. Tom was an animal lover, and will be missed by his faithful companion, Shorty. Tom also enjoyed movies, listening to music, and shopping at antique and resale shops.

Thomas E. Wiegert, 58, of Eckert, Colo., formerly of Kenosha, Wis., passed away on June 16, 2014, at St. Marys Hospital and Medical Center in Grand Junction, Colo., following a heart attack.

Thomas was born Oct. 12, 1955, to the late Gilbert and Bernadine (Reener) Wiegert. He was a 1973, graduate of Bradford High School. After high school he worked at American Motors lakefront plant, and painted at Peter Pirsch. In the early 80s he moved west to Las Vegas, Nev., and worked in pest control eventually opening his own pest control business while raising his son Bryan. Tom and Bryan later moved to Washington State, and then later settled in Colorado where he worked for American Gypsum.

Tom was an animal lover, and will be missed by his faithful companion, Shorty. Tom also enjoyed movies and listening to music, and shopping at antique and resale shops.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, and his grandmother, Anna C. Wiegert.

He is survived by his son, Bryan (Lela) of Colorado, and his daughter, Stacey Maddeaux of Springfield, Mo.; his five grandchildren, Izak Berrie, Logan and Ashley Maddeaux and Xak and Alize Wiegert. He is further survived by his siblings, Michael (Linda) Wiegert of Mansfield, Tex., Nancy (Jim) Grube of Sun Lakes, Ariz., Kathy (Paul) Leipzig, Chris (Paul) Andersen, Sharon (Jeff) Thiele, all of Kenosha and Karen Wiegert of Lakeland, Fla. As well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Please join the Wiegert family for a brief memorial service on Friday, Aug. 1, 2014, at the Chancery Pub Kenosha, located at the Radisson Hotel at 2 p.m. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kenoshanews/obituary.aspx?pid=171908983#sthash.xtdLBYxH.dpuf