Arthur “Pete” Sorbitz, 76, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2012, at Ministry Door County Medical Center.
Pete was born on May 28, 1936, to Sam and Evelyn (Pusic) Sorbitz in St. Louis, MO. He graduated in 1954 from Webster Groves High School in Missouri. Pete’s younger sister, Susan, introduced Pete to Diane “Lynn” Grant, her classmate. Pete and Lynn were united in marriage on May 27, 1960.
Upon his graduation from high school, Pete went on to study engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps for four years, entering into service on Valentine’s Day in 1956.
After serving, Pete went to work for McDonnell Douglas, a prominent American aerospace manufacturer. While at “MAC,” he had the opportunity to work on the Mercury Project, a capsule piloted by John Glenn. Pete later worked as plant foreman for William A. Hellmich Printing Company. Pete’s last job was as manager at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company from which he retired in 1998 to Door County. Being the wine connoisseur he was, Pete had recently worked for Simon Creek Vineyard and Winery in Door County, a job he truly loved.
He was member of the Master Gardeners and the Door Peninsula Detachment 1130, Marine Corps League in Door County. Pete enjoyed showing dogs, fishing, and shooting of all kinds. Pete was also a member of both the Sports Car Club of America and the MG Car Club with his MGA and other cars. And in later life Pete pursued his love of working with wood.
Pete will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 52 years, Lynn of Sturgeon Bay, WI; brother-in-law, Robert and Joan Grant of Palo Alto, CA; sister Susan’s children, Rick, Margie, Barbara, and Paul; family friends, Hudson “Mick” and Heather Hellmich of Sturgeon Bay, WI; and many other close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Susan.
“To our friends: In lieu of attending a wake or funeral, please create a special time to be with someone you love or someone who needs some love. In lieu of flowers, plant something beautiful in your world where others can enjoy its beauty.”
Memorials may be made in Pete’s memory to the Door County Humane Society (P.O. Box 93, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235) or to Door CANcer Inc. (P.O. Box 423, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235).
Huehns Funeral Home is assisting the Sorbitz family with arrangements.
Sign online guestbook and offer condolences at http://www.huehnsfuneralhome.com/.
