Peter P. Jirikowic

Peter P. Jirikowic of Presque Isle, joined his Lord October 25, 2023, while in the loving care of his wife Maureen and sons, in Carrollton, Texas, after a two-and-half-year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was taken from us far too soon at only 58 years old.

Jirikowic

Pete, as he was known, was born October, 29, 1964, to the late Frank J. and Carolyn Jirikowic of Presque Isle. He attended North Elementary School, and Lakeland Union High School. After graduating from LUHS, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and was sent to Camp Pendleton, Calif. for bootcamp. After graduating, he went to his assigned school and became a field radioman where he would be responsible for providing the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) commander with a communications network. He served at Okinawa Japan, Cherry Point, N.C., Camp Lejeune, N.C. and numerous temporary duty locations. Having been a true Northwoodsman, Pete knew his way around weapons and excelled in every aspect of the term rifleman. So well, in fact, he was selected to be part of an elite team of Marine rifleman, the Marine Corps Rifle Team. During this time, he earned multiple decorations and awards for his exemplary performance, including the Marine Corps Rifle Teams gold medal. After four years of honorable service, Pete made the decision to return to Wisconsin where he began a career as a talented craftsman building homes. He would later marry, have three sons, move to southern Wisconsin and eventually Carrollton, Texas.

He was well known and respected throughout each community he resided; someone who could easily be depended on and trusted, with an unequalled work ethic. His exceptional work ethic was instilled in him at a very early age, mowing lawns and doing yard work. At 12 years old he even advertised his lawn care services in the Presque Isle Days Parade, “You grow it and i’ll mow it” He quickly gained a long following of clients with dock work, carpentry, caretaking and snowplowing. Pete also had a heart filled with generosity, someone who would give you his own meal or the dollar in his pocket to help if you needed it. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, loved traveling, and trying amazing foods wherever he went. He was a jokester always quick with a joke or hilarious story that always kept everyone laughing, and commanding a room with his stature and easily recognized big laugh. Pete loved to cook for friends and family, attend his church and community programs, and loved his pets dearly. Mostly though, Pete loved his family. He deeply loved his wife, children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters.

Pete is survived by his seven brothers and sisters, Debbie, Eva, Linda, Frank, Mary, Elsa and Tony, wife Maureen, sons Eric, Ben, Joey, Nick, four grandchildren, Henry, Evelyn, Myla and Tanner and many nieces and nephews.

Special love and thanks are extended to his wife Maureen and sons for giving Pete the love and care he needed, especially during his last days. This selfless and generous love with never be forgotten. Pete was taken from us far too soon, and his departure will forever leave a beloved part missing from our lives.