H. Peter (Pete) Kiesow, 91, Pettisville, died Feb. 14, 2023, at the Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center. Pete was born Feb. 21, 1931, in Stettin, Germany, to Fritz and Charlotte Kiesow.
After World War II, his family was displaced, and Pete worked on local farms to help support his family.
In 1952 at age 21, he immigrated to Northern Alberta, Canada, and found work at a small lumber company where he met Anna Rose Nafziger of Archbold, who was teaching school through volunteer service. They wed Aug. 8, 1958, and had their daughter Amy in 1962.
In 1963, they relocated to Archbold, Anna Rose’s hometown. Pete quickly found work at Sauder Woodworking.
He worked at Sauder’s for 30 years, mostly as a foreman and supervisor of the rapidly-growing third shift, which he was instrumental in starting.
His years there were a great source of satisfaction, enjoyment, and pride for him. He also found great satisfaction in helping Inlet Church, north of Tedrow, get going, both with decision-making and physical labor fixing up the building.
Pete enjoyed gardening and traveling, frequently visiting his parents and brother in Germany, as well as his sister and family in Canada.
He is survived by his daughter, Amy, Pueblo, Colo.; brother, Helmut, in Germany; sister, Christiane, in Canada; a chosen daughter, Christina (Bruce) Holland, Archbold, nieces and nephews; friend and caregiver, Kim Langenderfer, Archbold; and many good friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Rose, in 2018; and both parents.
Visitation will be held at West Clinton Mennonite Church on Thursday, Feb. 23, 4-7 p.m. A memorial service will be Friday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m., at the church, with a lunch to follow. Interment will be private at the Pettisville Cemetery
The family suggests memorials be given to Mennonite Disaster Service.
Short Funeral Home in Archbold has been entrusted with the arrangements. www.ShortFuneralHome.com.
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