Obituary
Peter J Hannes Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Ocala, FL on January 5th, 2022 while in the loving care of his wife, best friend, soulmate Karen Fischer-Hannes. In love 37 years, married 25 years; he will be deeply missed. He was so special and the best partner a girl could ever wish for.
Peter was one of ten children born to Louise Elsie Neumann Hannes and Peter J Hannes. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older sister Barbara Millard (2019). He is survived by 8 brothers and sisters; Ron Hannes, Beverly Dahlgren (Roger), Robert Hannes, Nick Hannes (Linda), Margaret Hanson (Darrel), Marianne Rozinski, Paul Hannes (Margie), Chuck Hannes (Mary).
Peter is survived by and deeply loved his three children, five grandchildren, and one great grandson.
Pete Hannes III; grandsons: Peter Hannes IV, Micheal Hannes(Rachel);
Karole Sellers; granddaughter: Abigail; Paul Hannes (Lanette); granddaughters: Brittany Clickner (Chad + Great grandson Cash), Brooke Hannes.
Peter was proud of his family, and enjoyed lots of laughter and fun with them.
Peter was born in Kenosha, WI and worked for Jockey International for 37 years. He started as a salesman and achieved his goal to become a divisional president for the family owned underwear company. He traveled the world for work and he used to say that his job was “to cover the asses of the masses”. He was a great leader and business teams loved him and admired his commitment, quickness, integrity, and “get it done” attitude. He retired in 2009 and moved to FL with Karen.
Peter was an avid golfer, liked fishing the Mississippi River, and had a true love affair with all kinds of food — he loved to eat. He was proud of the beautiful flower gardens he and Karen created around their home and was always hands-on involved in whatever DIY home project needed to get done. He had a special admiration for yellow flowers, gold finches, and red knockout roses.
Peter loved walking Sydney and Mackay (Australian Shepherds) each morning around the neighborhood. He joined a group called “Caring Canines” one year and would visit nursing homes with the group to let our sweet girl Sydney brighten someone’s day. Karen and Mackay took up agility and competed all over FL. Peter was so proud to watch them compete and loved bragging about any blue ribbons Mackay earned. RV trips became a regular adventure and we loved traveling with the dogs to competitions.
Peter was diagnosed with Dementia in January 2019. He had Frontotemporal dementia, one of the fastest progressing types of dementia. It took only 15 months before he could no longer speak, was unable to smile or laugh, or do simple daily living activities. He struggled with OCD that came along with the dementia and was often frustrated to try and find any word that he could speak, often repeating one or two words he heard in a movie he was watching. Movie watching was his usual pastime for the day along with neighborhood rides on the golf cart.
Karen was determined to keep him at home and surround him with affection, comfort, and of course all the food he loved. A wonderful care team was formed and from that point on Team Peter was active to keep Peter safe and feeling loved, valued, and respected. Eternally grateful to Ashley, Jenny, Dawn, Grace, and Donatella.
Peter was so special in so many ways, and positively touched so many people during his life, truly til the very end of his earthly life. He is now free from all the frustrations of dementia and is with God feeling only joy and pure love.
Peter will be cremated and a celebration of life will be planned for June in Wisconsin.
Cards and flowers may be send directly to :Karen Fischer-Hannes17 Wintergreen Way; Ocala, FL 34482
Karen Fischer-Hannes: 17 Wintergreen Way; Ocala, FL 34482
Love you all -- thanks for your thoughts & prayers.