Peter Joseph Strizich was born May 8, 1938 in Anaconda, Montana. He joined the Navy Reserve for his Junior and Senior year of high school, then spent two years as a Radar man and spent time working on the hill at the Anaconda Smelter.
After his time in the Navy, he moved to Denver, CO and married Maribel Kuney in 1960. They had three children, Jeff, Joel and Julie. They later divorced. While in Colorado, he was an instructor at a beauty school, worked in a tux rental shop, and even delivered bread.
In 1970 he married Dee Ustick and they moved back to Montana in 1971. Pete and Dee had two children, Luke and Carl.
Pete built fireplaces in houses around Helena. He also worked for the Workers’ Comp Division for over 20 years. In his later years, his passion was woodworking. He filled their home with beautiful woodwork and he also liked to share them.
Pete died on March 16, 2014 due to complications from cancer.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents and six of his seven siblings. He is survived by his wife Dee of Helena; son, Jeff (Lorri) of Parker, CO; son, Joel of Littleton, Co; daughter, Julie Williamson of Overland Park, KS; son, Luke of Aurora, CO; and son, Carl (Joy) of Bozeman, MT; and 12 grandchildren.
A Graveside service with Military Honors is set for 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 21, 2014 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Peter.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
1:00 p.m.
Friday March 21, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
1:00 p.m.
Friday March 21, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
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Inez Slayman says
My heartfelt condolences to Dee and their children. Working with Pete was interesting, and almost everyone enjoyed the aroma of his pipe with the vanilla blend he liked. We could always tell when he came in the morning. Take care Dee.
Elaine Applin says
I’m so sorry to hear about Pete. Dee, if there’s anything at all I can do let me know. You and your family are in my prayers.
Diane Pedersen says
Dee and Family.
I was sorry to learn that Pete passed away. I worked for Pete for a number of years when he was at Montana State Fund. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Having just lost my husband of 40 years I understand the heartbreak of losing your spouse. God Bless you all.
Diane Pedersen
Pam Brown says
Dearest Dee & Family ~
Oh, i was so sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. I worked with Pete for a number of years at State Fund, and with you, Dee, at the Dept of Justice.
Pete was always so happy and had a joke or two to share with all of us each day! Whenever I talked to you, I always told you to tell Pete Hi from Charlie and I. He had such a great sense of humor and a twinkle in his eyes!
I, also, lost Charlie in December, after being married 34 years. It’s a tough journey out there losing your spouse, the heart ache, it never goes away. I had my good friend tell me, “there are no instructions for grieving”. That is so true.
May you find comfort during this difficult time. My thoughts and Prayers go out to you and your Family. Pete will be so missed, my friend.
May God Bless You & Heal Your Heart,
Pam B
xxoo
John @ Gayle Astle says
Our sincere condolences to Dee and family. John and Pete have been friends since grade school and high school in Anaconda, and we will miss him. We hope that happy memories of Pete will bring you comfort during this time of sorrow.
Gemma Strizich says
Dear Aunt Dee and Family,
So sorry for your loss of Uncle Pete. He was truly a special part of my life growing up. I can only hope that you all have peace in the days ahead knowing that he is comforted in the arms of God and perfection is there. Love and prayers to you all….Gemma
Denny Zeiler says
I was saddened to see Pete’s obituary in the Independent Record. Back in the mid seventies Pete built a used brick structure to house a wood stove in the basement of our new house. It came out beautifully. Anyway, our son who was about four years old at the time pestered Pete with all sorts of questions while he was working. Each question was prefaced with, ” You know what?”. We tried to keep our son out of Pete’s way, but Pete did not seem to mind the company at all and came to call our son “The you know what kid’.
Julie (Strizich) Williamson says
Dee, It seems so strange to address something without Dad. For as long as I can remember, it was “Dad and Dee”. I miss him already. I’m thankful that he went in his sleep as that is how all of my hospice patients want to go also. Thank you for loving my Daddy for all those years. It has been wonderful talking to you and Dad frequently these last couple years. I’m sure I will still need to hear your voice often. I’d like to think Dad is looking down smiling with all 5 of his kids together… I know you will be in good hands with Carl, Joy, Isabel, Jack and Mae keeping you smiling often. I gotta tell you, I’m sure loving my Luke time this visit. It has been way too long to hug that kid. I love you so much and wish I could comfort you in some way. Losing your best friend will be so hard and lonely. Thank goodness for Gus and Max to keep you in a routine! Just know I am just a phone call away if you ever need anything or just an ear… I love you!
Julie