Surrounded by the love of his family, Peter E. Walsh, 81, passed to Eternal Rest on December 10, 2022 in Monroe.
Pete was born on November 23, 1941 in Evansville, Indiana to Gerald and Dorothy (Pratt) Walsh. He was the third of four children. As an infant, his family moved to Toledo, Ohio. Pete remained there until the family's relocation to Monroe, Michigan in 1949. He would be a Monroe resident for the rest of his life.
Pete was a devoted husband to Arlene R. Theisen. They were married on October 6, 1962 at St. Charles Catholic Church in Newport. The couple were together for nearly 60 years, and the two were a constant presence in the Monroe community. They raised four children. Pete was a beloved father to Jerry (Tracey), Jon (Keri), Julie (Jeff Destrampe), and Jean (Carl Foster). His wife, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids were his greatest joys, and they loved and admired Pete as the rock of the family. Arlene passed away in August of 2022, and Pete is now reunited with her in God's love.
Pete attended St. John the Baptist Catholic school in Monroe and was a proud 1959 graduate of Monroe Catholic Central. After high school he entered the plumbing/pipefitting trade. He was a proud member of Pipefitter's Union Local 671 for 60 years. He acted as a general foreman for several prominent jobs around Monroe, including helping to construct the Enrico Fermi Nuclear Power Plant, Monroe High School on Hurd Road, and the Monroe Road school in Bedford. Pete achieved his Master Plumber License from the state of Michigan in 1975 and retired in December of 2003 after 41 years of distinguished service. Pete loved the profession, enjoyed his buddies on the jobsite, and left the world better than he found it through his work.
His elementary school years at St. John's began a lifetime affiliation with the church and parish, as Pete consistently contributed time, talent, and treasure. He was an usher in church for over 40 years, worked countless bingo and festival committees, planted flowers, and used his construction skills to help repair the church steeple. In later years he volunteered to help maintain the St. John Cemetery in LaSalle.
Family activities and sporting events were a great joy for Pete, as he was a constant fixture at anything that involved his kids or grandkids. Family dinners featuring his grilled masterpieces were always a highlight. Pete enjoyed socializing with his many friends in Monroe and was an expert solver of his daily crossword puzzles.
Pete is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, sister Barbara Dilley from Alaska, sister Rosemary Baron (Bruce) from Salt Lake City, sister-in-law Sharon DeSloover (Frank), and sister-in-law Pat Theisen. He was preceded in death by his sister Mary Nimershiem (Dan) from Norfolk, Virginia. The family is deeply saddened at the loss of our hero.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peter and Arlene Walsh Scholarship at St. Mary Catholic Central High School in Monroe. Donations may also be sent to the Arlene R. Walsh Memorial Scholarship founded by the Promedica Regional Medical Center of Monroe. These donations may be made online at https://promedica.foundation/walsh , or by reaching out to Amanda Graven, ProMedica Foundation Donor Relations Manager at amanda.grave@promedica.org or by calling 419-291-0212.
In keeping with Pete's wishes cremation has been held. On Wednesday, December 14, 2022 memorial visitation will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church beginning at 10:00 am followed by Mass of the Resurrection celebrating Pete's life at 11:00 am. Fr. David Burgard will be the celebrant and Deacon Mike Stewart will assist. Private burial will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe.
Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, Michigan, 48161, is assisting Pete's family with funeral arrangements.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .