Peter Ronald Ciske passed away at his home Monday, June 15, 2026. Pete was born in Appleton, Wisconsin on January 24, 1957 to Jim and Shirley Ciske. He was the third oldest in a family of ten children, which included his six brothers and three sisters. Pete spent his youth on the growing southside of Appleton in a neighborhood he cherished his entire life. Some of his fondest childhood memories include the camaraderie shared with the large groups of kids in the neighborhood, which is where his love of athletics formed.

Coming from a strong Catholic family, Pete attended St. Bernadette Grade School, an experience which deepened his faith. While attending school with his brothers and sisters, his father Jim worked as a jack-of-all trades for St. Bernadette Parish, serving many roles over the years and often employing the help of his kids, including Pete, in the summer. During the school year, Pete's classmates became life-long friends, and he enjoyed playing basketball for the B's.

The athletics continued as Pete spent his summers playing football, basketball, and baseball in the City of Appleton Recreation Leagues, honing his skills with and against some of Appleton's upcoming youth. While attending James Madison Junior High School for one year in 1971-72, Pete was the recipient of the Bill Pickett Athletic Award, given out to those who demonstrate dedication, leadership, sportsmanship, and scholarship. Pete attended Appleton East High School from 1972-75 where he played baseball all three years, as well as basketball and football. In 1975, Pete made All-Conference in baseball with a .342 average.

After graduation, Pete stayed in Appleton near his friends and family. On Saturdays, it was tradition to attend the Ciske Family Breakfast which was hosted at the Ciske house for over forty years. Nights were spent playing softball and basketball for various teams.

As a young man, Pete met the love of his life Jody (Perkins) with whom he spent many memorable moments, including camping and travelling. Pete and Jody wed at St. Bernadette Catholic Church and have been married for forty years. In 1992 they had their only child, Jeremy, who made their family complete. Pete spent a lot of his free time at home following every sport he could. With the sports section of the newspaper open, a ballgame on the television, and a sports talk radio show to listen to, he covered it all.

Pete's mind was as quick as they came. From naming a song in the first note, to calculating a cribbage or sheepshead hand, to figuring out the perfect way a sports game would finish, Pete's mathematical and logical-minded approach had it settled.

Pete will forever be remembered by his wife Jody and son Jeremy, his mother Shirley Ciske, and his eight brothers and sisters: John (Michele) Ciske and their children Johanna (Stan) and Mackenzie (Sean); Mary (Dick) Ver Voort and their children Katie (Matt) and Tim (Jamie); Jim (Mary) Ciske and their children Sarah (Taylor) and Ben; Sue (Kevin) Schommer and their children Donell (Ryan), Paula (Ryan), and Bryan (Mindy); Fred (Andrea) Ciske; Jane (John) Erickson and their children Jordan and Jared (Hannah); Sam (Karen) Ciske and their children Mitch, Josh, and Emma; Melissa Ciske (sister-in-law); Paul (Darlene) Ciske and their children Sean (Lauren) and Alex. Additionally, he is survived by his sister-In-Law Tamara (Jim) Vanden Heuvel and their child Lauren (Logan); and brother-In-Law Todd Perkins. Pete will be missed by his aunts Barbara Lamers and Sharon Scheirl, as well as numerous cousins, great-nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

Instilled in him from the beginning, Pete's faith held strong his entire life, and now as he returns to the Lord, he is preceded in death by his father Jim Ciske; brother Dave; grandparents John and Freida Ciske; grandparents Fred and Emma Horn; nephew Nathaniel; father and mother-in-law Larry and Jane Perkins, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A funeral mass will be held at 6 pm on Friday, June 26th, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2331 E Lourdes Dr., Appleton. Friends may visit at the church Friday from 3pm to 5:45pm.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.