John Peter Debbink

John Peter "Pete" Debbink, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, at the age of 96. He was born on May 10, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at Milwaukee Hospital.

Pete's life was marked by a deep faith, a passion for family, a strong work ethic, and a lifelong commitment to the arts, education, and building community. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1951 with a degree in Civil Engineering, the same year he married the love of his life, Joan Carol (née Davis). After beginning his career at Allis Chalmers and serving in the Army Medical Service Corps as a Civil Engineer in Puerto Rico from 1955 to 1957, Pete returned to Wisconsin to start a new chapter. In 1957, he and his father founded MSI, a company he dedicated his life to growing and nurturing. After his retirement, Pete and Jo became snowbirds in Naples, FL for over 30 years, moving back to Oconomowoc, WI, permanently in 2021.

Beyond his professional achievements, Pete was a man of many passions. As a child, his family would spend the summers on Lac LaBelle in Oconomowoc where he became an avid sailor and boater, finding immense joy on the water. Pete's competitive tennis playing also began during those summers and continued well into college. His love for adventure also extended to the air, as he was a pilot, and to the road, with daily walks to breakfast with Jo, and as an avid bike rider who even enjoyed a motorcycling phase in his 50s. He cherished time with his family, who will remember his adventurous spirit and kind heart.

Pete was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Larry Peterson, in 2019; his granddaughter, Sarah (Debbink) Langenkamp, in 2022; and his sister, Lois Ellen Debbink, in 2023.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Joan, and his children: Judy Debbink, Dirk (Terry) Debbink, Jeanne (Tony Drehfal) Debbink, Christin Peterson, David (Cindy) Debbink, and Nancy (Carol Tsao) Debbink. He also leaves behind 19 grandchildren, their spouses, and 23 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him great joy.

A visitation will be held on September 26, 2025, at 1 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church UCC, 815 S. Concord Road, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, 53066. A reception will follow at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Shorehaven Foundation, 1305 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Oconomowoc, WI, 53066 , the First Congregational Church UCC, or to the charity of your choice.

Pete's legacy of love, dedication, and adventure will be deeply missed by all who knew him.