Obituary: Peter Michael DeMelle

Peter Michael DeMelle, 70 years, of Sturgeon Bay, died Saturday, October 14, 2017 at his home.

He was born February 26, 1947 in Sturgeon Bay, the son of the late Robert and Ann (Hunt) DeMelle. Pete graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School with the class of 1966 before sailing on the John Purves for a few years. He joined his father’s plumbing and heating business in 1972 and purchased DeMelle Plumbing and Heating in 1982. Pete was known for his sense of humor and keen story telling ability. He will be remembered for whistling a tune wherever he went.

Pete married Ann C. Sarles on February 14, 2002 in Sturgeon Bay. He was currently a member at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay. From 1973 to 1993 he was a member of St. Peters Ev. Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay where he served on the church council and board of elders.

Pete loved the outdoors, riding Harley’s (with his Harley-Davidson Northern Rat Pack), gardening, playing golf, sailing, and even building his own canoe. He was an artistic, creative man whose talent included wood carvings and oil paintings which he created for family and friends.

Pete is survived by, his wife, Ann; two children, Kelly Gerl (and her children, Pierce and Elise Gerl) of New Franken, Kyle (fiancé, Carrie Ray) DeMelle of Sturgeon Bay; his children’s mother, Pam Schram DeMelle; sister, Rosalie Duquaine of Greenfield; mother-in-law, Mary Margaret Sarles of Elk Rapids, MI; step-children, Sarah (Donny) Stevens of Portland, OR, Jonathan Wesley of Norfolk, VA, Rebekah Huempfner (and her two children, Keira and Maggie) of Sturgeon Bay, Matthew Wesley of New Jersey; sisters and brothers-in-law, Barbara (John) Olk, Matt Sarles, Sara (Bob) Blessing, Richard Sarles, Catie (Charlie) Hamann; and all of his dear cousins; friends; and customers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ann DeMelle; sister, Beverly Wentz; son-in-law, Peter Gerl II; father-in-law, Robert Sarles Sr.; and brother-in-law, Robert Sarles Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay with Fr. Robert Stegmann as celebrant.

Friends may call at the church, Saturday morning, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Peter’s memory.

We leave you with one of Pete’s quotes, “Sail a lot, sleep when your dead.”

Huehns Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Sturgeon Bay is assisting the DeMelle family with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Pete may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.