- Date Of Birth: June 20, 1927
- Date Of Death: March 19, 2019
- State: Michigan
Peter was born to the late Chester and Elizabeth (Merriman) Brownell, he was a lifelong resident of the Kalamazoo area.
Peter was united in marriage to Marilyn Balinski on February 14, 1981. Their children are, Douglas (Judy) Brownell of Kalamazoo, David (Nancy) Brownell of Vicksburg, Suzanne (Matt) Charlier of Cary IL, and Steven (Barbara) Balinski of Rockford MN. Grandchildren; Melissa “Missy” Brownell, Mary Brownell, Mitchell Brownell, Dale Charlier, Alea Charlier, Madeline “Maddie” Balinski, Bailey Balinski. Several Nieces and Nephews. A Sister, Frances “Frankie” Newland of Frostproof FL also survives.
Peter was preceded in death by his sisters; Irene Pasch and Shirley Ann Holton, as well as his oldest son; Richard Scott Brownell.
Peter served in the US Navy aboard a Seabee ship during WWII. After Service, he had several careers before settling on being a Plumber at age 32; which became his lifelong passion as well as his work hobby. He absolutely loved his work, he became known to many as “Pete the Plumber”. Pete stayed active well into his 80s both at work and at play.
Although not always apparent, Pete loved being around people and entertaining people. He was the host of Friday night happy hours for years at his home on Austin Lake.
He was also famous for his “Peteisms” quotes and sayings he loved to repeat, most not appropriate to repeat here.
