Peter James Katzfey passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, at the age of 80, after a battle with advanced esophageal cancer. Born on August 10, 1945, to Frederick and Felicia (Schubert) Katzfey, Peter lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family, service, and a remarkable ability to connect with others.

Peter spent his entire life in the same home on Milwaukee's south side, surrounded by family, lifelong neighbors, and a strong sense of community. He often shared stories of his childhood, the family grocery stores, and his father's work as a butcher-memories that reflected both pride and gratitude. At Don Bosco High School, Peter proudly participated in football and wrestling, forming friendships and values that remained with him throughout his life.

From 1966 to 1968, Peter honorably served in the United States Army, including time in Vietnam as part of a combat tracker team. During his service, he formed deep and lasting bonds with fellow soldiers-connections he treasured and continued to celebrate through annual reunions for many years. Most recently in 2024, Peter embarked on the Wisconsin Honor Flight for Veterans, a day trip to Washington DC with a fully-supported warm reception back in Milwaukee. After the loss of his mother and a deeply difficult time in his life, Peter found renewed purpose through playing rugby with the Black and Blue Rugby Club. His grit, perseverance, humility and quiet strength earned him immediate respect and the sport became an important source of healing and camaraderie.

Through his childhood friend Tom Bykowski, Peter met the love of his life, Peggy, in Muskego. Together, they shared 42 years of marriage marked by devotion, laughter, faith, and unwavering support. Peter was an over-the-moon proud father to his sons, Ryan (Pauline) and Aaron (Leeann), and a deeply cherished grandpa to Laney (8), Luella (6), and Axel (5).

He always instilled a focus on academics as well as supported all athletics for his sons, from baseball and soccer games to all the practices in between and consistently encouraged his sons to pursue their passions wholeheartedly. Family trips to northern Wisconsin became traditions filled with togetherness and joy, and in recent years those traditions expanded into biennial Katzfey family trips exploring Wisconsin, creating lasting memories with his grandchildren.

Peter devoted 33 years to working at the Chrysler Parts Plant before retiring. He continued his service as a financial treasurer for the Chrysler Retirees Board, where he was widely respected for his dependability and integrity.

Known for what he fondly called his "gift of gab", Peter had an extraordinary ability to strike up conversations with anyone. What often began as a simple greeting quickly became a moment of connection, laughter or reflection.

He found joy in reading, gardening, traveling, fishing, solving Sudoku puzzles, and fixing just about anything. Many peaceful days were spent sitting on his bench outside the house, checking in on neighbors and appreciating the simple rhythms of daily life. A devout Catholic, Peter lived his faith daily and was a lifelong member of St. Veronica Parish.

Peter is survived by his siblings Christine (Gary deceased) Stima, Chuck (Gayle) Katzfey, Dave (Del) Katzfey, and Cathy (Gerry) McGrath, his sister-in-law Jean Gerstberger, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Veronica Parish, Disabled American Veterans, or a charity of your choice.

Peter's kindness, strength, faith, stories, and gift for connection will live on in all who were blessed to know and love him.

Memorial Visitation FRIDAY, February 27, 2026 at the Funeral Home from 5-7 PM. Prayer vigil at 7 PM. Additional visitation Saturday at St. Veronica Parish, 353 E Norwich St, Milwaukee from 9:30-11 AM. Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. 

Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Homes

 Bay View Chapel 

3275 South Howell Avenue 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin