Obituary
Earl P. Pedretti
Earl P. Pedretti, age 82, passed away on May 20, 2024. Earl was born on October 29, 1941, to Albert and Helen (Venner) Pedretti in La Crosse. He moved from the family farm in Genoa, WI to the new family farm on Brice Prairie (Onalaska, WI) when he was 4 years old. He attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and graduated from Aquinas High School in 1959. After graduation he started farming with his dad. He married Ruth Walske on July 2, 1966, at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse.
Over the years he raised dairy cattle, beef cattle, chickens, and pigs; as well as soybeans, corn, alfalfa, and lima beans. He served on the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Soybean Association. He continued to farm on Brice Prairie until his retirement. Earl never really quit farming though, with a large vegetable garden and berry patch throughout his golden years. He also enjoyed hunting with his brothers, making venison sausage with them and his extended family, and reading books.
Earl is survived by his wife Ruth, daughters Paula (husband Tracy Tash) Pedretti of Neenah and Kay (husband John Grattan Jr) Pedretti of Goodview, and son Gary Pedretti of Chicago; Grandchildren Quinn Zielke, John (Bre) Grattan III, and Mariya (Quinn Livdahl) Swanson, Great-grandchildren Gideon and Elora; sister Rita Llorca, sister-in law Cate Pedretti, in-laws Jane Addamo-Reinke, Charles (Sue) Walske, Robert (Doris) Walske, Diane Walske, Lois (David) Ekern and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Rev. Raymond, Rev. Robert, and Dennis; sisters Lucille and Jean (Dave) Flottmeyer; brother-in-laws Gus Addamo, Gordon Reinke, and Mike Walske; and Grandson Matthew Philip Grattan Pedretti.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, Onalaska on Saturday, May 25 at 11:00am with Msgr. Steven Kachel and Msgr. Delbert Malin presiding. The visitation will be one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery at a later time. In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Patrick’s Church, Onalaska, WI. The family would like to thank Hillview Nursing Home and Mayo Hospice for the care of Earl.
My condolences to the Pedretti family. I’m grateful to know Earl’s son Gary and pray that God comfort this family as they mourn their loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories of him be with you all.
For 40+ years I have driven past Earl and Ruth’s farm. It never ceased to amaze me that no matter what time of day I would see Earl outside tending to his garden and fields. It would be scorching heat and there is Earl in his black t-shirt and jeans on his knees tending to his plants in such a way that reminded me of his love for his crops. I think Earl would be talking to God the entire time, I bet they were best of friends. I think the dear Lord needed some weeds to be picked out in his garden, and knew just the man. Rest in the glories of Heaven Earl, Servant of God.
We are saddened to hear óf the passing of your Dad. May you be comforted by knowing his love.
So very sorry for all our family. I remember my father, a second cousin of Earl’s, buying oats for our animals in La Crescent when I was only about 10 over there in Brice’s Prairie. I went to his auction many years back and talked at some length with him. We all came from Genoa and there are a lot of us. I was out of town for his funeral, but thought of you all. My condolences.
We just heard of Earl’s passing and regret we didn’t know until after his funeral services. We purchased some acreage from Earl and Ruth 10+ years ago and continue to farm the land on Brice Prairie. Earl was always fair to us and was there to lend a helping hand when we needed assistance with some farm-related matter. Our sympathies to his family.