November 27, 2023 – Washington Co, WI – Peter J. “Pete” Lieven, 68, of the Town of Farmington, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 23, 2023, in Mineral Point.
Pete was born on September 30, 1955, in Hartford, the son of the late Donald and Lorraine (nee Reis) Lieven. On September 18, 1982, he was united in marriage to Mary McKinley at Holy Angels Catholic Church in West Bend.
Pete was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. There was nothing more important to Pete than his family. He adored Mary Pat, and enjoyed spending his retirement playing Wordle, sharing mealtimes, improving their house, and taking day trips in the “little car.” They traveled to Europe and around the country, with many trips planned for the future, but they also enjoyed traveling in-state and visiting old towns and local events.
Pete was so proud of Sam. In his final years, their relationship morphed from father/son to best friends. They shared the bond of fatherhood and some of the headaches that come with it. Pete loved hunting weekends, discussing projects in the garage, and a weekend beer. Pete and Anne had a wonderful relationship. They didn’t agree on many things (politics-wise) but that never stopped them from getting along. Mid-afternoon phone chats and visiting different breakfast establishments were some of Pete and Anne’s favorite bonding activities.
Pete loved his kids’ significant others; feeding into Nicky’s crazy woodworking and craft projects, or conferencing with Zac on a new cooking technique or what they were planning for the next family meal.
Pete’s favorite role by far, was Grandpa; when he met Harper, he was so excited. He was able to help her learn to swim, was amazed by her intelligence, and loved that he got to be her grandpa.
Pete was passionate about helping others and made a career of it. As a young man, he began lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons at the Hartford pool. After high school, he worked as an EMT while attending school full-time at UWM. Pete was instrumental in starting the Hartford Emergency Medical Team. He then started work in the career that defined his professional life. Pete loved being a police officer; being able to help others and keep the community safe was what kept him going to work for more than 30 years. He was a leading force behind the formation of the West Bend SWAT team. Pete retired as a captain from the West Bend Police Department.
During his retirement, Pete enjoyed staying busy. Pete was the president of the West-Bar Sportsman’s Club; was the president and founding member of the Elmwood Men’s Club; a recent addition to the B.O.A Convertible Club; and a proud member of the Bedazzlers Trivia Team. Pete also enjoyed hanging out with his in-laws brewing beer, cooking maple syrup, and planning excursions. Pete had such a vibrant life filled with love, experiences, and friendship. He will forever be missed and loved by those who knew him.
Those Pete leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Mary; two children, Sam (Nicole) Lieven and Anne Lieven (Zac Waters); a granddaughter, Harper Lieven; his siblings, Thomas (Bev) Lieven, Mary (Bob) Christianson, Anne (Dave) Zuern, and Monica (Dale) Wunder; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Tim (Mary) McKinley, Margaret (Bill) Archibald, Marcia (Dan) Smith, Nancy (Kevin) McKinley, Joe (Penny) McKinley, and Doug (Lori) McKinley; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Pete was preceded in death by his infant sister, Margaret Mary Lieven; two brothers-in-law, Danno (Shelagh) McKinley and Ronnie Schellinger; his parents-in-law, Daniel and Lorna (nee Peck) McKinley.
VISITATION: Pete’s family will greet relatives and friends at the Myrhum – Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, 1315 W. Washington Street, in West Bend, on Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m.
SERVICE: A funeral service for Pete will be held on Saturday at the Myrhum–Patten Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m.
