Detlef “Pete” Asmussen Jr.

Detlef “Pete” Asmussen Jr.  went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Harbor Club in Port Washington. He was 86 years old.

Pete was born on April 18, 1939, in Germany to parents Detlef and Lucia (nee Loeffler) Asmussen Sr. He grew up in Berlin, Germany, and during the Berlin airlift. 

After the war, Pete and his family moved to Milwaukee, Wis. He attended Shorewood High School and graduated from Boys Tech in 1958. 

Following graduation, Pete worked at American Motors. 

Pete was united in marriage with Lucille Frenz on Oct. 12, 1963, at Sherman Park Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. 

Pete was in the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Forrestal. Upon returning home, he worked as a machinist for Seitz Manufacturing. 

Later, he worked as a maintenance staffer at Cedarburg High School, from which he retired in 2004. 

Pete enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Germany and Mexico. He collected stamps and model trains. He also loved woodworking. 

Pete enjoyed spending time outside, walking around town, riding his bike and gardening. Throughout Pete’s life he loved American Western music and films. 

He was a member of the Country Promenaders Square Dancers and an avid member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church Men’s Club.

Pete is survived by his daughter Pam (Michael) Enstrom, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lucille in 2003 and his sister Delores.

A funeral service for Pete will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 217 Freeman Dr., in Port Washington, WI 53074. 

The family will greet guests from 9 a.m. until the service at  11 a.m. 

Pete will be laid to rest with military honors at Valhalla Cemetery in Milwaukee on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

Memorials to the St. John’s Lutheran Church Men’s Club are appreciated. 

Pete’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Harbor Club in Port Washington and Heartland Hospice for their support and care. 

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.