Service Information
Peter “Pete” Machaiek, age 81, of Winthrop passed away Thursday, January 11, 2024, at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota, East Bank in Minneapolis.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, January 18, 2024, 1:00 P.M. at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Winthrop. Interment will be Monday, January 22, 2024, in Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M., ALL at the church.
Obituary
Peter “Pete” Francis Machaiek was born on June 30, 1942, in Millers Falls, Massachusetts. He was the son of Peter J. and Sophie (Kopec) Machaiek. Pete was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in the Catholic faith as a youth. He received his education in Millers Falls, Massachusetts, and Turners Falls, Massachusetts, and was a graduate of Turners Falls High School. He furthered his education at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Later earning his Master’s Degree in Education.
On August 7, 1965, Pete was united in marriage to Marianne Hermes at the Church of St. Peter in Forest Lake, Minnesota. After their marriage, the couple resided for a short time in South Dakota and then moved to Winthrop. Pete and Marianne were blessed with two children, Matt, and Maggie. Pete was a special education and history teacher for GFW in Winthrop. Pete and Marianne shared 58 years of marriage.
Pete was an active member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Winthrop, was a member of the church choir and was a reader. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Pete was also a member of the Winthrop City Council.
He loved watching Gopher football. He enjoyed working around the house and helping others with handiwork and fixing things. Pete liked animals, especially his cats. Pete cherished the time he spent with his family especially his children and grandchildren.
Pete passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota, East Bank in Minneapolis at the age of 81 years. Blessed be his memory.
Pete is survived by his:
Wife, Marianne Machaiek of Winthrop, MN;
Children, Matt Machaiek and his fiancé, Karen Andersen of Lake Elmo, MN, and
Maggie Margosian and her husband, Mark of Eagan, MN;
Grandchildren, Daniel Margosian and Molly Margosian;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Pete was preceded in death by his Parents; Grandchild, Evan Margosian; Sister, Carol LaPointe.
Mark Santelman (Winthrop) says
Since moving to Winthrop in March 2002, Peter “Pete” Machaiek has been a mainstay on the Winthrop City Council. While I did not always agree with every vote by Pete, I cherished him. With Pete I could discuss city issues and he would intently listen. Whenever we saw each other at the grocery store or the pharmacy and had a moment we always had wonderful, delightful conversations…usually about our beloved Gopher football team. He had a quiet unflappable strength that I admired. Pete loved this city and her residents and we loved Pete and Marianne. Sadly, another Winthrop Legend is gone. Blessed be his memory.
Samuel William Shult says
Pete was always looking for a better, more efficient way of doing things for the community, and serving on the Winthrop City Council helped him to do that. Subsequently, he became a very active and enthusiastic representative on the Board of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association, the mission of which was/is to find better answers for its member cities. I swore Pete in when he first assumed his duties as a member of the City Council and worked with him in that capacity until I retired. Pete was a good man, and a friend, to me and to all he met. God Bless Peter Machaiek and may he always be remembered for his good works and intensions.
Samuel (Sam) Shult, City Clerk/Administrator 1976/2007
Rob Edwards says
Pete was a mentor to not only the children that he taught, but also those on the Winthrop City Council that served with him. He was a good friend and a family man. Winthrop MN is a much better place today because of Pete. His wisdom and steadfast good cheer will be sorely missed. God Speed good sir! I’m a better person for having known you.