Peter J. Urban Obituary (1961

Peter J. Urban, age 59, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Friday, November 20, 2020 at his residence following a brief battle with cancer. Peter was born June 5, 1961 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI to Eldon "Buzz" and Judith (Otto) Urban. He graduated from UWSP with a degree in Wildlife Management, fitting with his lifelong love of nature, the outdoors, and animals of all types. Soon after graduating, he was stationed as an Army officer in Bad Kissingen, Germany. While there, he had many adventures, witnessed the wall between East and West Germany come down, enjoyed multiple visits from his family members, and cultivated a love for the Gordon Setter dog breed. He brought Jenny, his first such dog, home with him from Germany and then had a Gordon Setter with him as a companion every day for the rest of his life. Upon returning from Germany as an Army Captain, Pete settled in Wisconsin Rapids to be near his family. He worked at Opportunity Development Center as a supervisor before starting a career at Consolidated Papers. He retired from the mill in July of this year as a Maintenance Planner after 30 years in the paper industry. A lifelong member of the United Church of Christ First Congregational Church, Peter often referred to the woods and nature as his personal church. He loved hunting, fishing and simply hiking through the woods. He was enthusiastic about sharing these passions with others, and was a trusted mentor and guide to many young people. Pete also met many people throughout the U.S. and other countries through online gaming, and maintained relationships through online communications. His insightful and humorous Facebook posts often brightened the days of many. He was a gentle, humble, generous and loving man who touched the lives of all who knew him. He lived a much too short life of adventure and love. He will be missed greatly. Peter is survived by his mother, Judy Urban; sisters: Jill Donahue and Polly Gruetzmacher; nieces: Sharlene Gruetzmacher and Cassidy Donahue; nephews: Dennis (Nicole) Gruetzmacher and Danny Donahue; and his dog companion, Bean. He is preceded in death by his father, Eldon "Buzz" Urban, and his dog companions: Jennie, Gus, Izzy and Zoe. Due to COVID-19 concerns, there will be an outside, graveside service at Pioneer Cemetery in Wisconsin Rapids on Sunday, December 6, 2020 with a gathering time of 12:30 P.M. and the service beginning at 1:00 P.M. A larger celebration of life is being planned for early summer, around the time of his 60th birthday in June. In lieu of flowers, make a donation to the South Wood County Humane Society in Pete's name. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home, Wisconsin Rapids, is honored to be assisting the Urban family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hermantaylorfuneralhome.com.