Florence A. Pekel

Florence A. Pekel (née Becker), “Flo,” 98, of Arbor Vitae, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on June 14, 2026.

Born on August 27, 1927, in Butler, Flo grew up with the kind of grit and joy that would define her entire life. She was a devoted mother, a loving wife, and a true outdoorswoman who never met a season she couldn’t enjoy.

Flo first married Robert Nienow, with whom she raised a lively family. After his passing, she found deep companionship and love again with Ralph Pekel, her husband of many happy years. Together they created a home filled with laughter, hard work, and the unmistakable scent of the Northwoods.

For 14 years Flo worked at Briggs & Stratton, but her entrepreneurial spirit led her to purchase and operate the Parkside Motel in Hazelhurst. She poured her heart into welcoming guests and running a tight ship. Even after selling the motel, Flo never really retired. Well into her 90s she was still helping clean at Jeff’s Auto Repair and faithfully delivering warm lunches to her son and husband — proof that love, for Flo, was expressed through action and venison sandwiches.

She was happiest outdoors. Whether cross-country skiing through fresh snow, deer hunting with gun or bow, ice fishing on frozen lakes, snowmobiling through the woods, foraging for mushrooms, or simply fishing on a quiet summer morning, Flo embraced nature with skill and reverence. She helped process, prepare and cook every fish and game animal the family harvested, turning wild bounty into meals her family still talks about. She also loved bowling with her team and was a dedicated member who enjoyed the camaraderie as much as the competition. On Sundays, you could find her cheering on the Green Bay Packers with her lucky beads, never missing a game and never without a hot ham sandwich.

Flo’s warmth, quick humor, and steadfast faith touched everyone around her. She taught her children the value of hard work, the beauty of the outdoors, and the importance of family. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, love, and the quiet satisfaction of a life fully lived.

She is survived by her husband Ralph Pekel; her children Sandy Pavlow, Sue Seatz, Bonnie Kuhn, Darlene Lauderback, Robert Nienow, and Jeff Nienow; along with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many dear friends who will miss her dearly.

A private family memorial service will be held in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests acts of kindness in Flo’s memory — perhaps taking a grandchild fishing, cheering loudly for the Packers, or simply spending time in the beauty of God’s creation.

Flo lived well, loved deeply, and now rests in eternal peace. She will be greatly missed, but her spirit lives on in every deer trail, every Packers touchdown, and every story her family tells around the table.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com. Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.