Peter Edward Starkweather

Peter Edward Starkweather quietly passed away after a brief battle with cancer on January 9, 2026, at Agrace Hospice, surrounded by his loved ones.

A seventh-generation Madisonian, Peter was born on March 22, 1937, to Walter and Norma (Shroyer) Starkweather. He grew up on Lake Monona, where he developed a lifelong love of boating and fishing. After attending Madison West High School, he completed a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin and became a devoted fan of Badger sports. As a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, he met Frances Kerrigan, who was studying at the university for a summer and renting a room from the Delt House. Peter and Frances married in 1961.

Peter was a devoted father to Patricia Hammill (Bill), John (Jill), Melinda (Joe Plasterer), and Sandra (Glenn Fernandez). He was a proud grandfather to Peter (Max) Hammill, John (Jack) Plasterer, Katherine Plasterer, Joshua Plasterer, and Lucas Starkweather.

His professional life was defined by integrity and a deep love for his profession. After obtaining his professional engineering license, he worked for large firms in the Chicago area before returning to Madison to head the engineering department at John J. Flad and Associates. In 1978, he founded Affiliated Engineers, Inc. (AEI), where his commitment to an engineering-led approach to building design drove the firm’s growth into a world-class consultancy. It has since flourished into a firm of 900 with offices in 22 states. Peter also shared his professional talents through long-held roles on the City of Madison Building Board of Examiners and Appeals and on his local ASHRAE board, as well as providing design services for worthy causes like Edgewood High School and the Ronald McDonald House.

Peter’s loving nature was most evident in how he brought his family together. A self-taught gourmet chef, he hosted marvelous feasts for family and friends in Madison, Sanibel, Florida and his cabin outside of Minocqua. He delighted in taking his family to Walt Disney World, where his heart melted watching his grandkids meet their favorite characters. He was well-known for sharing his Badger tickets or a perfectly roasted brisket to feed folks watching the game at his house. His grand-puppies and kitties were always welcome guests and likely enjoyed some choice scraps when no one was looking.

Peter pursued his interests with quiet intensity. He was a familiar face at Nakoma Golf Club, always in search of "perfect form" on the fairway, even attending clinics in Florida. As a life-long learner, his passion for history took him to the battlegrounds of WWII and Gettysburg, and on a beloved ancient history tour of Greece and Turkey. Ever curious, his shelves were filled with history and philosophy texts and peppered with flashcards of French and German vocabulary words.

Whether in the office or at the head of the family table, Peter believed in building a reliable foundation. This commitment—grounded in integrity and a quiet, giving spirit—sought to ensure that both the profession he loved and the family he cherished could stand tall for generations.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents, Norma and Walter Starkweather, his brother David, his grandson William Andrew Hammill, his brothers-in-law Marvin Van Lysel and Harley Spilde, and his niece Sally Anderson. He leaves behind his sisters: Janice Van Lysel and Linda Spilde and their families; his children: Patricia Hammill (Bill), John Starkweather (Jill), Melinda Starkweather (Joe Plasterer) and Sandy (Glenn Fernandez), and many nephews, nieces and cousins. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Peter Maxwell Hammill, John (Jack) Plasterer, Katherine Plasterer, Joshua Plasterer, and Lucas Starkweather. He leaves behind many friends and colleagues along with his legacy of founding AEI.

A longtime member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church (401 S. Owen Dr.), Peter’s life will be honored there on January 21, 2026, with a visitation from 10 am until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to  Agrace Hospice, who brought him and his family great comfort.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Rd     Madison

608-238-3434