Peter Paul Miess, age 92, of Madison, WI passed away on July 11, 2026 at home surrounded by family. He was born on March 30, 1934 in Dodgeville, WI, the son of Peter Miess Sr. and Alma (Balk) Miess.

Pete was born and raised on a dairy farm in Dodgeville. Later in life he would tell his kids and grand-kids that in addition to helping milk the cows twice a day, he had to walk two miles to school, uphill both ways! Farm life greatly influenced Pete’s outlook, giving him an amazing can-do attitude that persisted throughout his life.

After high school graduation he enlisted in the Army and served two years in post-war Korea. Upon returning to the States, he began a career as a printer with Madison Newspapers. Pete became very involved in the printer’s union and eventually transitioned to a career as a union organizer, completing his career at Communication Workers of America. When he retired at 63 his true farm-boy character reasserted itself. His first project upon retiring was to hand-dig an addition to the basement by carrying out 5-gallon buckets of dirt one by one, and cold-chiseling a hole in the garage slab to access the new room. They say you can take the boy out of the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the boy – so true!

Pete met the love of his life, Marilyn, in 1961. His close friends Glenn and Ray were engaged to Marilyn’s roommates and decided it was high time to introduce Pete to the remaining catch. After several months of dating, engagement ensued and they married on June 23, 1962. Pete was a man of few words; he was lucky to find a wonderful woman who had enough to make up for his few!

Pete and Marilyn started a family right away and Kelly, Steve and Heidi arrived in short order. The family moved to Fitchburg in 1969 and they raised the kids there in suburban bliss (seriously!).

When Marilyn joined Pete in retirement, they enjoyed biking, gardening and traveling and visited Alaska, Hawaii, Costa Rica, and several European countries. When grandchildren joined the family Pete enjoyed doting on them with wheelbarrow rides, book reading and flower picking. He loved being a part of his grandchildren’s lives as they grew from infants into adulthood.

A few months ago Pete was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lymphoma, which ended his life. He passed peacefully, surrounded by close family.

He is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 64 years; children Kelly Miess (Susan), Steve Miess and Heidi Miess-Gladding (Bryan); grandchildren Larissa, Andrea and Brenna Gladding, and Finn Morrison-Miess; siblings Joe Miess (Ginger), Ray Miess (Patricia) and Mary Odgers, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and more.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents Peter Sr. and Alma Miess, brothers Bill and Jack Miess, an infant son, and grandchild Elizabeth Lehman.

A memorial service will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 401 S Owen Dr, Madison, WI 53711 on Friday, August 21, 2026. Visitation will be held at 10 am. Mass and service begin at 11 am, followed by a luncheon at the church.

Please share your memories of Pete by posting in his guestbook.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434