Peter B. Fuchs
1951-2022
Peter B. Fuchs, AKA “Pete,” made his grand entrance into this earthly world on Mar. 18, 1951 in Medford. He entered into his heavenly home on Mar. 3, 2022 slightly shy of his 71st birthday. He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and under the care of Hope Hospice. A Funeral Mass for Peter took place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 9 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church with Fr. Jayanna Kanna officiating. Burial followed at Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation took place at Good Shepherd Catholic Church Tuesday, Mar. 8 from 4 p.m. until the time of a Rosary Service at 7 p.m. Visitation continued on Wednesday, Mar. 9, 2022 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.
Peter ranked fourth in birth order out of seven boys born to the late Frank and Mary Fuchs of rural Rib Lake. He grew up on the family farm along with his brothers, and later they became well known in the community as the “Fuchs Boys’’. Laborious farm work helped foster an admirable work ethic in all things for Peter, and it was there under the guidance of two loving parents where Peter found a devotion and love for God and the Catholic faith. He never missed a weekend mass or Holy day of obligation, these were always made priority. He had an insatiable love for God, family, and the incredible, edible egg.
He worked hard and played hard and often bragged about being a bit of a rebel throughout his teenage years. He was both daring and mischievous, but always kind to all. As a young adult, he enjoyed trapping and hunting, but fishing was one of his true passions whether on the ice or in a boat on open water. He was a successful fisherman and happily provided countless meals for his family and friends. Peter was also an avid baseball and softball player for both Rib Lake and the Devil’s Den teams. He could always be counted on for his powerhouse hits.
In the dawn of the new 70’s decade on the Eve before Christmas, Peter met the love of his life at the Tombstone Tap in Medford. After feasting his eyes upon this beauty from across the room, he mustered up the courage to talk to her. He later grabbed her car keys and refused to return them to her until she agreed to go out on a date with him. After approximately 1-1/2 years later, he married Rita Joan Fuchs who he would affectionately refer to as “Honey.” Soon thereafter, they settled in the Rib Lake area and humbly raised a family of six children, Brian (Connie) Fuchs of Dorchester, Stephanie Fuchs of Rib Lake, Trisha (Jesse) Kittl of Abbotsford, Kristy (Todd) Schesel of Spencer, Jeffrey Fuchs (Brooke Moberg) of Medford, and Carrie Fuchs of Rib Lake.
Peter had a few different jobs throughout his lifetime before retiring. He worked at Magnuson’s Mink Ranch for a short time before starting his career of 42 years as a welder/fabricator/parts man/ and supervisor as what was most currently known as Caterpillar in Prentice. He supplemented his income for 22 of those years by logging and peeling popple so that his wife could stay at home to raise their family. He was also extremely obedient to his father and mother and helped as needed on the family farm until their retirement.
When Peter wasn’t toiling, he found refuge in certain pastimes which included watching NASCAR and rooting for his all-time favorite driver Dale Earnhardt AKA the Intimidator. Oftentimes, one could hear his high pitched register cheering aloud for his beloved Green Bay Packers. He loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. Some may say that he was more of a fanatic than he was a fan, but he meant well. His Sunday ritual was to read the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel primarily for the sports section, and he was sharp and well versed in sports statistics. He loved watching the Brewers on TV and occasionally attended a game in Milwaukee all while visiting with brothers who resided there.
Peter loved hunting, and although he did bag a few bucks in his life, we all know that the noise that generated from this man kept most deer at bay. He was often left dumbfounded when he returned empty handed with nothing more than his empty crinkled plastic bottle of water. He delighted in shining for deer in the fall of the year with his entire family packed in his vehicle. He took pleasure in sailing the open water on pontoon boats. He relished time outdoors and picnicking with his family. He loved playing cribbage, and was often overheard counting out “15-2, 15-4, and the rest don’t score.” He enjoyed swimming at nearby lakes, and he taught all of his children how to swim by throwing them in and telling them, “Sink or swim.” His children are all successful swimmers today. He showed his adoration for his children by building them a play house, a sand box, and towing them among the snow-covered hills with his tractor and a simple car hood.
Peter liked ground swatting grouse if you know what we mean. He loved pets, especially his late, beloved dog Sadie. He never left the house without a hanky, his cherry chapstick, or his can of Skoal chewing tobacco in the pocket of his favorite “lived in” t-shirt. He loved Chinese cuisine and sipping on an ice cold beer. He was a history buff who loved watching the Discovery and History Channels, along with war documentaries, and Gunsmoke. He obsessed over maintaining a well-manicured lawn. He enjoyed gardening and planting his trees. He loved searching out the perfect Christmas tree on the family property and opening presents. He reveled in repetitive tall tales told around the kitchen table among family and friends. He loved showing his deep devotion toward his wife by buying her 6 red roses for every Valentine’s and Mother’s Day. He loved Rock and Roll music. Tom Petty, The Boss, and CCR were among his favorite artists, but he had a special fondness for the song Runaway by Slade. He made the best vegetable soup, lumpless gravy, and spaghetti and was often quoted as saying to any guest at his house, “If you leave here hungry, it’s your own fault.” He was often heard teasing his grandchildren by asking whether they were a “Smart feller or a fart smeller” and when asked a question or greeted with a comment he would famously reply, “Do what?”
Peter was preferably a home-body and loathed traveling. He was often in a hurried rush to return home from whatever outing he may have been on. When it mattered, he was slow to anger and quick to forgive. He was a simple man with selective hearing and a man of few profound words. But there were times when he could capture an audience and move them to tears. One can recall his most memorable and heartfelt speeches that he recited at 4 of his children’s wedding receptions that included reference to the three c’s. These were Pete’s keys to a successful and happy marriage: compassion, compromise, and communication. Words that he truly lived by in his own 44 years of marriage.
He was impatient and stubborn, but wholesomely kind and generous. He had an infectious smile and sense of humor. He was undoubtedly one of the most generous and charitable men known to us. He never had much, but he gave a lot. He was a true philanthropist donating to eight different charities and the Catholic Church monthly. He never kept up with the Joneses, often saying that what he had was, “Good enough.” He prayed the rosary religiously, sometimes 3x daily for two plus decades with multiple intentions for those in need. He was humble in nature and very prideful in his ways. He was never one to seek a handout but more often lent a helping hand. His faith in God was steadfast and strong and something he passed along to his children. Peter left a legacy of generosity, humility and faithfulness in all things, and he will be sorely missed and forever loved!
Peter is survived by his children; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren who he loved immensely. The grandchildren include Taylor (Emily) Reinhardt, Camryn and Evan Fuchs, Gavin and Ethan Fuchs, Cortney and Hunter Kittl, Emily and Kellie Schesel, and Jamisyn Leichtman. The greatgrandchildren are Jonah and Myla Reinhardt.
He is further survived by his brothers Joseph Fuchs of Rib Lake, John (Chris) Fuchs of Milwaukee, Raymond (Sheila) Fuchs of Stetsonville, and William Fuchs of Rib Lake; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rita Fuchs; mother, Mary Fuchs; father, Frank Fuchs; brothers, Edward and Robert Fuchs; and a nephew, Paul Fuchs.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.
Paid Obituary 118036
