Peter Donald Quinnette passed away suddenly of a massive heart attack while vacationing in Tuscon, Arizona. Peter was the first-born son of Donald E. and Anna Marie (Wellens) Quinnette, who welcomed him on April 5, 1954, in the Town of Morrison. He was quickly joined by sisters Mary and Marsha, and the three became inseparable, usually dressed in red shirts so that they were easily visible as they crossed the street to Grandpa and Grandma Quinnette's house. His Baptism and First Communion took place at St. John's Catholic Church in Morrison. While the church was demolished in the 1960s, the Quinnette family faithfully continued to groom and maintain the St. John's cemetery for many years afterward. As sister Margaret and brother Paul were born, the grass cutting continued as a family ritual. All of the family grew up waiting on customers in the shop and staffing the exhibits at the various RV shows throughout the state. Peter took to this life in sales early on.
Peter's education began at Conrad Elementary School and continued there through sixth grade. It was followed at Dickinson Middle School, and East De Pere High School, where Peter grew and learned, played trombone and was a member of the wrestling team. Following graduation in 1972, he attended North Central Technical College in Wausau, WI, obtaining a diploma in electronics.
In June, 1975, Peter married Jean Huebner in Neenah, WI. They enjoyed many years of marriage before parting ways and were blessed with three children: Jason, Tiffany, and Sara. Peter and Jean began their married life in De Pere, but in short time moved back out to Morrison; and Peter became a member of the Wayside Telephone Company Board of Directors in the 1980s. He worked beside his parents for many years at Quinnette's in Morrison, helping grow their RV business; and, he took over management duties in the early 1990s.
In these past years, Peter has been a vehement supporter/member of The Moose Lodge, has continued on as a life-long Packer fan, and always kept camping.
Peter was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Edward and Lillian Quinnette; maternal grandparents, Henry and Lucille Wellens and his parents Donald and Anna Quinnette; uncles Jerome Van Dreel and Robert Wellens.
He is survived by his children Jason (Rebekah) Quinnette, Tiffany Quinnette, and Sara (Paul) Whitley; grandchildren Ophelia Rose and Cordelia Jade Whitley; and his ex-wife, Jean Quinnette. He is further survived by his siblings Mary (Jim Jauquet) Cuene, Marsha (David) Popejoy, Margaret Quinnette, and Paul Quinnette; uncle Dan (Peggy) Wellens; aunts Helen Wellens and Marion Van Dreel; nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends and extended family.
Visitation will be Friday, February 19, 2021, 5-7 p.m., at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth St., De Pere, WI. Visitation will continue Sat., Feb. 20, 9-11 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at St. Mary Catholic Community, 4806 Sportsman Drive, De Pere with Fr. Bob Kabat officiating. Nickel Funeral Home, Morrison, is assisting the family. Due to COVID, masks and social distancing are required. Please visit NickelFH.com to leave online condolences.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been setup at Northwest Tucson Moose Lodge, 2660 W. Ruthrauff Rd. Tucson, AZ 85705 for the purchase of a Defibrillator in Peter's name.
Please go to Ryan Funeral Home Facebook page to watch the Mass live.