FITCHBURG - Peter Cherek, age 64, passed away at Select Specialty Hospital in Madison, Wis., on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, following a courageous battle with heart failure. He was born an identical twin on January 12, 1961, the son of Leonard Cherek and June Cherek (Baade) in Milwaukee, Wis.

On September 17, 1988, Peter married Melinda Coy. Together, they raised two children, Wendy (Tim) Paoletti of Melissa, Texas, and Brent (Ellen) Cherek of Madison, Wis. Peter was a devoted grandfather to his two grandchildren, Leo and Christian Paoletti.

Peter was known for his kindness, strength, and unwavering happiness. A lifelong Madison resident, he graduated from Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart in 1979. He carried on the family tradition by owning and operating Cherek Painting, the painting division of the family business, for many years.

Peter had a passion for cooking and is well known by family and friends for making the best soups, dips, and meats. When he wasn’t cooking, he was spending his time outdoors hunting, fishing, or growing vegetables in the garden. A dedicated Green Bay Packers fan, he rarely missed a game and passed his love for the team on to his children.

He loved playing boardgames with family, Risk and Life being his favorite, and was always up to sit and chat with a smile on his face and his dog, Benji, by his side. Peter’s strong distinctive voice and kind words will be deeply missed by all.

Peter is survived by his sisters, Wendy (Kevin) Reilly, Jenny (Thomas) Leyer and Lennie (Bill) Franz; mother-in-law, Shirley Coy; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Jr. (Judy) Coy and Doug (Linda) Coy.; sisters-in-law, Patricia (Charles) Diaz, Vicky (Bernie) Coy, Becky (Jim) Krakofsky, Melanie (Lonnie) Troy, Angie (Ken) Friedrichs and Dawn Cherek; and many nieces and nephews. Peter was preceded in death by his wife, Melinda Cherek; twin brother, Bill Cherek; mother, June Cherek; father, Leonard Cherek; and father-in-law, Kennth Coy Sr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5306 Main St., McFarland, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Friends and family are invited to a visitation at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday.

The family would like to thank the staff at Select Specialty Hospital for their kind and loving care, as well as all who visited and called. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Peter Charles Cherek

January 12, 1961 - January 14, 2025

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