WATERSMEET, Mich. – Gordon "Pete" Hilsabeck, of Watersmeet, passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at the age of 84.

He was born on Aug. 23, 1928, in Peoria, Ill., the son of Raymond and Nada (Kerfot) Hilsabeck.


Pete served in the U.S. Air Force as a staff sergeant for 10 years, and was honorably discharged in 1961.

He owned and operated Pete's Amoco and Wrecker Service at the junction of U.S. 2 and U.S. 45, while driving bus for the Watersmeet School until 1983.

Pete enjoyed living in the Northwoods, sports, his pets, his circle of friends and being a real prankster. He loved tinkering in his garage, family holidays, genealogy and most of all spending time with his children and grandchildren.

His humorous and giving nature will be missed by many of the lives he has touched.

Pete is survived by his wife, Patricia; four daughters, Terri (Jeff) Brittain, Marquette, Sandra (Gerald) Robinson, Watersmeet, Vicki Hilsabeck, Nashville, Tenn., and Lisa Hilsabeck, Watersmeet; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Marge; and a brother, Paul.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 23, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at the Watersmeet Baptist Church, with the Rev. Skip Pullen officiating.

Following the service, military rites will take place at the church under the auspices of Watersmeet American Legion Post 417 Honor Guard.

Lunch will be served in the church fellowship hall following the military honors.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful and compassionate nurses, caregivers and staff at Westgate Nursing Facility for taking such great care of Pete, and making his last days as comfortable as possible.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.