Pete was my 1st supervisor when I moved to Mn. He was a fun, patient, and spirited man. I always enjoyed working for him.
Peter Lawrence Ampe
September 4, 1962 – December 15, 2020
On December 15, 2020 Peter Lawrence Ampe, age 58 of Paynesville, MN passed away after a battle with Covid-19. He was surrounded by family at the time of his death. A Public visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. A Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2020 at 11:00 a m. at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery. A celebration of life will be planned for a future date. Donations in memorial can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or to Protect Our Winters.
The timing of his death is fitting, considering he always “hated” the holiday season, as his friends (and all the other “morons”) from his 30+ years at FedEx know well. Any other time of the year wouldn’t have worked for him, as it would have interfered with boating, fishing, snowboarding, sailing, golfing, and his favorite past-time – drinking. Everyone agrees that he made the best margaritas (don’t even ask, the recipe is a family secret), and he always made sure everyone’s glasses remained full.
Pete was a fun-loving guy, so full of life and energy, and whose smile and humor were infectious. Everywhere he went, and every life he touched, are forever brighter because of his presence. He was an amazing father, a loving husband, a devout son, a courageous brother, a caring friend, and a selfless caretaker. Pete was always the life of the party, and continuously renewed everyone’s sense of adventure. He was humble and kind, and most of all, he always put everyone else’s needs above his own.
His knowledge seemed limitless. On every topic, from construction to fine wine, sailing knots to lawn care, snowboarding to automotive repairs, Pete knew something about everything. Pete was an excellent cook, and loved fine French cuisine, and taught us how to make Creme Brulee. He also taught us how to get away with a little mischief, and he always told the most inappropriate jokes. If I repeat any here, the newspaper likely wouldn’t print this.
Perhaps the most important lesson we can learn from Pete’s life is that happiness is a choice. Everyone is faced with choices every day, and in Pete’s case, he always chose happiness above all else. That is why he chose to move to Colorado, to enjoy the mountains, instead of career progression. He chose to move back to Minnesota, to raise his family close to home. He chose to retire early, to spend more time with his wife, even though he could have made a lot more money had he worked for a few more years. He faced adversity, and carried more weight than one man should, and every day he made the conscious decision to not let that weight bring him down, and to smile and laugh through it all. He’s the strongest person we’ve ever known.
Pete always told us that he would live to be 100, but only made it to 58. Pete was often the most youthful person in the room, even at a child’s birthday party. Friends and family remember him jumping in inflatable bouncy houses for kids, dressing up as a cheerleader for Halloween, eating at the kids table, and always playing and giggling with everyone. Our youngest family member says he will miss “tickling Pete’s forehead,” because Pete always told children he was ticklish on his forehead so they wouldn’t actually tickle his feet. Although he wanted to be 100, it’s hard to imagine Pete ever becoming an “old man.”
Pete is missed by his loving wife, Janet; his three adoring sons, Peter, Preston, and Will; his daughter-in-law, Hannah; his proud parents, Pete and Donna; his sister and brother, Suzanne (Tony) and Patrick; and his two faithful dogs, Bella and Rosie. We’re pretty sure that stray cat (Kitty) who sleeps in the garage misses him too.
Pete was young and fit and had no underlying conditions when he lost his battle with Covid-19. He walked his dogs five miles a day, and the doctors continually praised his impressive health and strength, saying he appeared as healthy as any man ten years younger than him. Please wear your masks, stay home, keep distance, and get vaccinated. We join over 300,000 other families in the country whose grief and pain are immeasurable.
Guestbook
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I remember when Pete started with Fedex and working with him at the Buisness service Center in downtown Minneapolis and then had the opportunity to work with him again at the AEL station in Maple Grove. Pete will be so missed . With sympathy and prayers for the family and all his friends.
Janet and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in remembrance of Peter. We always had fun and tons of laughter when we got together and will think of him and you often. Blessings and comfort.
Janet, Peter, Hannah, Preston and Will – Our hearts are broken at the loss of Pete. His energy, zest for life and adventure were only surpassed by his love and dedication to his family. We will treasure the wonderful memories we shared together with him. Our deepest sympathy and love to you all…The Schuler Family
I’m so sorry I couldn’t make it!😢 Hugs and prayers to my family!
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your husband and dad. May your memories and love for him get you through this very tough time. Prayers to you all.
Janet, boys and all family members – we are heartbroken in hearing about Pete’s passing. Crimson Football memories, other sporting events and church greetings will forever be etched in our minds. May his legacy smile live on forever in all of humanity.
You have our deepest sympathy.
Don & Jill, Kolton & Lana, and Carter
Janet and family, our deepest sympathies to you and your family. I will always remember Pete’s fun loving and gentle soul. His beautiful smile that lite up the room and his laugh. All of his wonderful qualities made managers meeting enjoyable. I was blessed to be able to have him as a fellow manager and work beside. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Janet and family,OMG I am in shock! I cannot believe you lost your husband, father, sons and caregiver to this awful disease! You are all in my thoughts and prayers! This will be a tough holiday season! Be strong and share your favorite memories of him to honor him and keep him in your hearts! Love, Ruth
Our hearts go out to your family. Pete’s wonderful smile and and unwavering commitment will be so missed. We love you.
Oh my goodness, how do I express our sadness for your family’s loss. Terry and I were both blessed to work with Pete for many years. The laughter and leadership he brought to work each day was missed the day he moved from AELA. As one of his employees for years, I loved getting to know him over check rides, or working in the office while I recovered from a sprained something…He told me I was a klutz, and I would remind him not to come back from vacation with a brace on. He always fought for us as employees, and he knew we would do all we could in return. I was lucky enough to call him a friend. I enjoyed that he came to our farm and spend part of the day horse back riding. I loved hearing about family, and I know how much he loved you. The words written to capture his life and character is such a beautiful tribute to him. I am so thankful, that even since we have retired we have had a chance to see your family. We will keep you in our prayers and we will look forward to a day when we see him in Heaven. I pray you all feel God’s presence in your grief. To each of you, our heart felt sympathy.
Young Pete will be missed by all who knew him. Rest In Peace.
Please know you are in the thoughts, and hearts of those at Henningson & Snoxell, Ltd. Words fail to express our sorrow for your loss. Prayers of peace and comfort to the family.
Sending love, prayers and blessings to the Ampe family each and every day. So many wonderful memories of Pete over the years, attending football games together, holiday parties, and just listening to Pete’s positive spirit and watching him lovingly care for Janet these past few years. Great guy that will be missed.
Our deepest sympathies to all of the Ampe Family. We remember many fun experiences with Pete and Family from youth sports, family fun nights with the Kmiecs and many skiing outings together. We will miss Pete’s smile and eternal joy that he spread every where he went. Our thoughts and prayers are with Janet, Peter, Preston and Will. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
my dearest condolences to the family. i met Pete in 1992 and he made a difference in my life. He was a great man and loved talking to him about football, fishing, and his family.
What a wonderful human being Pete was. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and coworkers as I know they’re missing him so much.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very, very difficult time. It sounds like there are so many memories that will fill your hearts for a lifetime.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, co-workers & friends that will miss Pete terribly. He was a great guy. So sad to hear this news.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You will all be in my prayers.
My heart goes out to the entire Ampe family. Peter was a great guy. Though it’s been decades, I have fond memories of Peter that I will hold in my heart. Hugs to you all.
Janet and family, As you know, everyone who knew Pete loved him. All of us at FedEx also admired and respected him. I have a special place in my heart for the wonderful human being that was Pete. He showed my a great kindness on my very first week on the job in Minneapolis that I will always fondly remember. Through the years I came to know him as the generous, dedicated and fun person that everyone else has described over and over. He chose to be positive and happy every day – he inspired me on many occasions to be better. The world lost a wonderful human being and I am so sorry for your family, and all of us.
Love to you all, Linda Sokolik
Our prayers go out to you all
I will always remember Pete’s kindness and that wonderful smile that always conveyed the happiness that he brought to all around him. Our loss is heaven’s gain… Pete you will always be in our hearts and your legacy and our fond memories with you will be say alive with us always.
Our hearts are broken and empty but we have a million fun memories of you to comfort us. Love is forever.
Suzanne
Services
Visitation
Daniel Anderson Funeral Home, PaynesvilleSchedule Details
On December 15, 2020 Peter Lawrence Ampe, age 58 of Paynesville, MN passed away after a battle with Covid-19. He was surrounded by family at the time of his death. A Public visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. A Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2020 at 11:00 a m. at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery. A celebration of life will be planned for a future date. Donations in memorial can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or to Protect Our Winters.