Peter J. Van Bramer, aged 85, passed away peacefully on the evening of November 9, 2023 at Sturgeon Bay Health Services. Born on May 3, 1938, in Sturgeon Bay, he was the son of the late Harold and Vera (Blank) Van Bramer.
Pete's legacy is defined by his exceptional athleticism at Sturgeon Bay, where he excelled in basketball, track and field, and football, graduating in 1956. He furthered his education at Northwest Missouri State, earning his undergraduate degree.
Peter pursued education further, attending UW Madison and the University of New Hampshire, ultimately earning his master’s degree in guidance from UW Platteville. His passion for teaching led him to Woodruff, Boscobel, and Lodi, and later, he served as the Director of Admissions at Madison Area Technical College from 1972 to 1995, impacting and enriching countless lives.
On August 16, 1959, he married Judith J. Ballard in Red Oak, IA, and together they were blessed with two children, Wendy and Dennis.
A dedicated member of the Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church, Pete was not only an accomplished sailor but also a skilled woodworker, musician, and trumpet player. However, it was his love for family, particularly his grandchildren, and active participation in their school events that brought him immense joy.
Peter's commitment extended to various professional organizations, including WACRAO (Wisconsin Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers), where he once served as the state president and on the Aid Association for Lutherans Scholarship Committee.
In retirement, he remained active in education, finding joy in teaching group dynamics for the Department of Transportation while working part-time as a bridge tender in Sturgeon Bay.
He is survived by his loving wife, Judie; son, Dennis (Amy) Van Bramer of Sturgeon Bay; daughter, Wendy Lynn (Ta) Van Bramer of Thailand; four grandchildren, Matthew 'Matt' and Jared Van Bramer, Jacob ‘Jake’ and Rebecca ‘Becca’ Chairin; and his sister, Kay Sylvester of Green Bay and many nieces and nephews.
Peter is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Vera Van Bramer, and his sister, Carol Thompson.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church, officiated by Rev. Dr. Matthew R. Knapp, Sr. Peter will be laid to rest at Bayside Cemetery columbarium.
Friends may pay their respects on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Huehns Funeral Home and on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sunflower Cottage Day Services or the Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church. The family appreciates the support during this difficult time.
Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Peter may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.
