Peter J. Welnick's Obituary
Peter James Welnick
October 19, 2013 – December 13, 2025
De Pere, WI - Surrounded by his family, Peter James Welnick passed away due to complications of an acute illness on Saturday, December 13, 2025. In his 12 years, he filled our lives with laughter, love, and joy.
Peter was born on October 19, 2013, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Mark and Jamie (Olsen) Welnick and the cherished big brother of Wade (age 8) and Sam (age 6). He was a treasured grandson of James and Karen (Koss) Olsen and Richard and Kathy (Erickson) Welnick, a loving nephew of Holly Olsen, Brian (Natalie) Olsen, Jenny (Evan) Haas, and Brad (Kristen) Welnick, and adored cousin to Owen, Cooper, Mason, and Ethan Welnick. Peter will also be deeply missed by his extended family and school friends. He was preceded in death by his special dog, Dottie.
Pete loved the outdoors, traveling, and learning about space; searching for the moon wherever he went. He explored a new national park each year. His adventures included standing among the giant sequoias, hiking Yosemite Valley, feeling the mist of Niagara Falls, camping the Black Hills, and snorkeling with sea turtles in Hawaii. A few years ago, Make-A-Wish fulfilled his dream to visit Toy Story Land and Disney, creating family memories that will be cherished forever.
Always excited for new experiences, Pete completed triathlons with the help of Team Triumph and participated in adaptive sports including TOP Soccer and Miracle League Baseball. He could always be found with a new book. Pete loved telling jokes and making people laugh, especially with his favorite: “How do ducks learn to fly? They just wing it.” Above all, Pete spent many summers on the water, swimming, fishing, and tubing with his brothers.
Pete attended sixth grade at Foxview Intermediate School in De Pere, where he made his musical theater debut in The Little Mermaid. He especially loved singing and had the loudest “Happy Birthday.” High fives, fist bumps, and hugs were a familiar and welcome sight in the hallways. His family is forever grateful for the kindness and friendship shown to Peter by his friends, aides, and teachers.
Peter will be remembered for his pure heart, his adventurous spirit, and the way he cheered on everyone. Everything was more fun with Pete. He was our rock and the best big brother to Wade and Sam. Like the song from Toy Story, Pete showed us that “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.”
Since his birth, Peter was truly a medical miracle. At doctors’ appointments, he would often ask with a smile, “Are you going to check me out?” Diagnosed with a rare metabolic condition, ILFS 1, Peter helped doctors learn, research and better understand this condition to improve the lives for future patients. He was never defined or limited by his complex medical needs and faced life with remarkable strength, resilience, and positivity.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. El-Gharbawy at Duke University and the care teams at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and Bellin Health for their dedication and compassion. In his final act of kindness, Peter became an organ donor through Lions Vision.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 2845 Shadow Road, Waupaca, WI, beginning at 10:30 A.M. with a Memorial Service at 12:00 P.M. A reception will follow starting at 1:00 P.M. at Simpson’s Restaurant, 222 South Main Street, Waupaca, WI. Those attending are invited to honor Pete by wearing a touch of his favorite color, red.
Contributions may be made online through the Peter Welnick Memorial Fund clickhere
In Peter’s memory, the family will distribute donations to organizations that support adaptive sports and children with medical needs, continuing Peter’s legacy of inclusion and opportunity for all.
The family joyously asks you to live fun and fearlessly like Pete. Cheer loud and sing louder. Tell jokes, read books, and give high-fives. Go hiking and look up at the moon. Try something new. Jump in the lake. Go fishing. Collect rocks. Above all, love fiercely, include others, and always be true to yourself.
Pete, You are our angel, our darling, our star. Our love will find you, wherever you are.
Love, Mom, Dad, Wade, and Sam
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