Peter Donald Baertschy

Peter Donald Baertschy born on May 19, 1942, passed away at age 79 on the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, after his battle with cancer. Peter passed peacefully with his four children by his side. Peter was one of a kind and will be truly missed. Peter was father to Fritz Baertschy, Jason Kindler, Gretchen Kniffin, and Benjamin Baertschy, husband and loving friend to Mary Jo Koenen; loving father-in-law to Heidi Baertschy, Karrie Kindler, Zack Kniffin and Tiffany Baertschy; a loving and playful grandfather, lovingly known to his adored grandkids as ‘Papa’ and ‘Polar Pops’ for his cuddly nature; loving brother to Barbara Pagel and John Baertschy; son of Frederick ‘Putz’ Oscar Baertschy and Doris Amanda Baertschy.

Peter dedicated his life to recovery and helping those suffering from addiction. Suffering from addiction himself and later, becoming sober, his life’s mission became helping others. His work impacted so many and created a wave of change within the field of recovery that will continue on. He was a quiet giant with a gentle loving nature, a fiery side, huge sense of humor and spiritual nature that was nurtured through his work and travels. He filled a room with a gentle observing presence and had an infectious laugh that was undeniable.

Peter loved travel and experiencing new things. He placed roots in Shorewood (Wisconsin), Rockford, (Illinois), Alaska, Louisiana, Thailand, Fond du Lac (Wisconsin) and Milwaukee (Wisconsin). He loved cooking for family and friends and was famous for his German potato salad, chicken noodle soup with homemade noodles and entertaining with copious amounts of food. He truly loved music of all kinds, traveling with his kids in drum corps, theatre, collecting art and clothes, spending time with his grandkids, and having long talks over coffee. Those who knew him or crossed paths with him are forever changed. His loss is great and will be felt around the world.