Peter James Deusterman, age 58 of Ellsworth, WI, passed away surrounded by family February 2, 2021 at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Peter was born February 14, 1962 in Minneapolis, MN to John and Bernadette (Gondreau) Deusterman. He grew up on a dairy farm, and graduated from Ellsworth High School, with the Class of 1980. Pete proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1980 – 1984. Pete was united in marriage to Sandra Kay Domben. Their marriage was blessed with five children: Jennifer, Kathy, Mary, Laura and Jacob. After returning from active duty, Pete went to Trucking School to obtain his CDL. He drove truck for Marten Transportation for 10 years. Pete and Sandra moved to a farm outside of Ellsworth, where Pete farmed, until selling the farm in 2000. Pete then continued his trucking career and drove for RB Trucking, Willow Express and Knudsen Trucking. Most recently, he was driving for Countryside Cooperative in Ellsworth.
Outside of always working hard, Pete’s greatest joy was his family. His heart was happiest when being surrounded by those he loved. He loved his role as “Papa” and treasured every moment with his grandchildren. After a long day of work, he always found time to sneak in a good nap. Pete was a genuine and kind man and always willing to help others out. To honor his spirit of graciously caring for others, Pete’s final act of kindness was to give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.
Pete will remain in the hearts of his loving wife of 35 years, Sandra; daughters, Jennifer (Nate Melstrom) Deusterman, Kathy Deusterman, Mary (Jacob) Marquardt and Laura Deusterman; son, Jacob Deusterman; his beloved grandchildren: Dylan and Lily Melstrom, Hailey, Ryland and Maddox Marquardt; siblings: Joanne (Ken) Lubich, Jeanne Rice, Michael (Rose) Deusterman, Laurie (Ed) Kopp, Daniel (Judi) Deusterman, Beth Kudronowicz, Thomas Deusterman and Amy (Allen) Standaert; mother-in-law Sarah Domben; countless nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bernadette Deusterman; father-in-law, John Domben; infant sibling; brothers-in-law, John Rice and Jim Kudronowicz and niece, Lisa Neuman.
A Visitation (masks and social distancing required) will take place 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon Saturday, February 6, 2021 at St. Francis Catholic Church, 231 Woodworth St., Ellsworth. Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 Noon at St. Francis Catholic, with Fr. Jerzy Rebacz officiating. The Mass will be livestreamed at https://youtu.be/wIzpxuKqxhg. Burial will follow with military honors by the Kinne-Engelhart American Legion – Post 204 at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.
Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Funeral Home of Ellsworth (715) 273-4421. www.oconnellfuneralservices.com
