Service Details
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Thursday evening for a visitation from 5-7 p.m.
The celebration of his life and memorial Mass will take place at St. Lucy Catholic Church (3101 Drexel Ave) on Friday, May 20, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Thomas Vathappallil, MCBS officiating. There will also be a visitation in the church on Friday from 10-11 a.m.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials to St. Lucy, St. Hagop, and St. Mesrob churches, as well as the Armenian Benevolent Fund are suggested by the family.
RACINE – Peter M. Yoghourtjian, 71, passed away at Ascension All Saints on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
A lifelong resident of Racine, he was born on February 19, 1951, the son of the late Sam and Dorothy (nee Dadian) Yoghourtjian. Peter graduated from Washington Park High School in 1969 and UW Parkside in 1976. On November 27, 1976, he married Patricia Rutherford.
Peter worked for many years as a stationary engineer for various schools in Racine Unified where he was affectionately known by the students as “Mr. Pete.”
He was a longtime member of St. Lucy Catholic Church and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, going to Road America with Patrick, and sharing recipes with his daughter-in-law. Peter loved building model cars, playing golf and his Armenian heritage.
Peter is survived by his loving wife, Pat; his son, Patrick (Cecili Franco) Yoghourtjian; his granddaughter and light of his life, Paige Yoghourtjian; his sisters and brother, Anita (Terrence) Jones, James (Kimberly) Yoghourtjian, and Tamera Yoghourtjian; his nieces and nephew, Nicole (Eric) Fanning, Kim McDonald, Lisa Anderson; his great nephews, Thomas and Daniel Fanning and Alex McDonald; his great-great nephew, Porter McDonald; his aunts and uncle, Margaret Wigman, Richard Eaves, and Deka Panzlau; as well as numerous cousins, extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Peter was preceded in death by his brother, John; grandparents, Bedros and Tamam Yoghourtjian and Kalos and Anna Dadian, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harold and Bette Rutherford; his sister-in-law, Sharon Anderson; his brother-in-law, William Rutherford; his aunts and uncles, Mike (Jackie) Dadian, Sam (Jackie) Dadian, Mary Eaves, Don Pazlau, Skip Wigman, James and Margaret Yoghourtjian; and his cousins, Steve Wigman and Paul Dadian.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Thursday evening for a visitation from 5-7 p.m. The celebration of his life and memorial Mass will take place at St. Lucy Catholic Church (3101 Drexel Ave) on Friday, May 20, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Thomas Vathappallil, MCBS officiating. There will also be a visitation in the church on Friday from 10-11 a.m. Memorials to St. Lucy, St. Hagop, and St. Mesrob churches, as well as the Armenian Benevolent Fund are suggested by the family.
A very heartfelt thank you to Dr. DeCheck, Dr. Mullane and his nurse practitioner, Kelly, and Dr. Sriram for the loving and professional attention Peter received while under their care.
Janie Washebek says
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Pete for many years at Johnson school. I was Ms Janie (lunch lady) He was a wonderful man with a big heart. He will be missed!
Richard & Marcia Matavka says
So sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. He was a pleasant and great guy. I had the pleasure of working with him for a short while for summer cleaning at Johnson school. My husband and I use to bump into him at Pick ‘n Save and we would shop talk. He will be missed! Our sincere condolences. May God sustain all of you during this difficult time.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Jeff Sherwood says
Going to miss pete I’ve know him many yrs I lived a block from the shoe shop good man
Kadee Paap says
Pete enjoyed talking about his family with such great pride and love. I worked with Pete at SC Johnson for several years. He also worked with my dad and would share fun stories about jobs they had together. His smile and sense of humor made work a pleasure. May all the memories you created together carry you through this sad time. Your family will be in my prayers.
Michael T. Nelson says
So sad to see this. Pete has a wonderful family, I was fortunate to know throughout my younger years. I lived on Grange Ave. just a block away from SAM’S SHOES AND REPAIR on Taylor Ave. I remember Pete from those younger years, and how his dad Sam, alway’s had the back door open, and I could walk In and watch him repair shoes. My Mom used to take us to Sam’s for new shoes for school also. Even Dorothy worked at the store. I remember her as a GORGEOUS Woman. Truly a wonderful family, and a sad time for all of them. I offer my sincere condolences to all of Peter’s relatives, and Friends.
Sue Gorman says
Your family is in my prayers.
Pete was one of God’s finest.
I was so honored to be able to work with him at SC Johnson School and to also see him at St. Lucys.
He brought joy to all who knew him.
God bless you Pete.
You made this world a better place.
Alan Grodey says
So sad to hear,he was tremendous friend growing up enjoyed endless hours with the family they were the best, prayers to all he will be missed
Sandra Lepisto says
Dear Pat and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Pete was a joy to work with. He had a wonderful sense of humor, with surprising and laughable come-backs. I enjoyed seeing him in church after we retired. We pray that you will find comfort in the memories that are yours to cherish always. May the memories you hold in your hearts along with your faith help to sustain you through this difficult time. Love lives on forever in the heart. You all are in our prayers and thoughts.
Dennis McGoldrick says
I worked with “Mr. Pete” at. SC Johnson Elementary School. He was always a pleasure to interact with. He was beloved by all of the students and staff because of his caring attitude and kindness to others. Deep condolences to his family.
Ruth Rohlfing says
So very sorry for your loss, Pat. Prayers for you, your son, and extended family.
Paula Barrera says
I worked at Jefferson Lighthouse many years ago when Pete worked there as well. I can still hear his laugh. He was a good man. I remember him requesting that I please potty train all of the kindergartners who’d had “accidents” by October 😂
I have many fun stories about Pete and how good and cheerful he always was.
He will be greatly missed!
God bless you Pete!
terry jones says
Peter was my Brother-in-Law for 30 years and if I could have ever had a real sibling I would have wanted it to be Peter. We went back to see him in March for the first time in about four years, what a blessing, what a positive attitude. He was such a strong man and loving and caring. For some reason I felt the need to call him on my way home in AZ. about 5 o’clock CT the day of his passing. He was in good spirits and I remember telling him at the end of our conversation that I loved him and was continually praying for his comfort. Pete used to have a little problem telling me he loved me too until about a year ago. I am blessed to have known him and been able to tell him the things I did on that last evening’s conversation. I am sorry for not being able to be there for the funeral but we at least got to say our goodbyes.
Peace be with my Yoghourtjian family.