Pete Foltin

Pete Foltin never took life for granted. No matter what came his way, he took one day at a time and lived it to the fullest. With his great sense of humor, he was a jovial man and quite the wise cracker. In everything Pete did, he put his heart and soul into it. He gave of his time and talents selflessly, often placing the needs of others before his own. Pete may have had his share of opinions, yet he was a very passionate person who’d throw himself into something he believed in. It was easy to like a man such as Pete, and for all that he was and more, he will be dearly missed.

The decade of the 1960s ushered in an entirely new way of thinking within the culture of America. The Vietnam War was at the forefront, and young people everywhere were learning how to make their voices heard. The Civil Rights Movement was news of the day, and “Beatlemania” continued to change the music scene. Throughout these changing times, many found reprieve in the form of drive-in theaters and beloved television shows. Yet for Paul and June (Dennis) Foltin, the birth of their son, Peter on October 16, 1965, gave them another reason to celebrate the love of family.

Born and raised in the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois, Pete grew up the youngest of three, joining his older sister, Kristin, and brother, Paul in their family home. His father worked as an electrician while his mother remained at home as a homemaker. In his youth, Pete was a spunky kid. He liked playing games and from his earliest years, he loved pulling a good prank on someone. He attended the area schools, enjoyed shared adventures with neighborhood friends and all that life in a big city offered a young boy like Pete.

Due to his father’s health as well as the changing culture of big city life, it was in the early 1980s when Pete and his parents moved from the city of Chicago to the small town of Decatur, Michigan. A better way of life was truly needed, and they found it in the community of Decatur. Although there were some adjustments for sure, Pete went on to complete his education and graduated from Decatur High School with the Class of 1984.

Following high school, Pete entered the work force. He worked at a variety of different jobs including helping his Dad run his two video stores. Always a hard worker, Pete did his very best at everything he put his mind to. He was also a very curious fellow about how things were made and he seemed to always like the technical side of things.

Pete’s life took on new meaning when he met Rebecca Carrizales. They became very close friends, and Pete even took on the role as a father figure in the lives of Rebecca’s children, Christopher, Scott and Nichol. He loved spending time with each of them and never hesitated in helping out whenever he could. He and the kids worked on computers together and they loved times spent with their remote control cars. One time he and Scott even took a memorable trip to Canada together. Very much a family man, Pete loved the sense of belonging he enjoyed and received while spending time with Rebecca and her family, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t have done for them.

So typical of Pete’s giving heart, he was a generous person, and almost to a fault. He was the one there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Whether he had the money and time to do so or not, he he’d go out of his way, making a way to help others. When Pete believed strongly about something, he’d throw himself completely into it with passion and commitment. While he never forced his opinions on anyone else, Pete was never shy about sharing his own viewpoint.

Sharing time with Pete always brought a few laughs and smiles to those around him. He was a happy and content man, and his wise cracks and pranks were enjoyed by anyone sharing his company . . . at least those not at the brunt of his pranks! In his free time, Pete liked watching action movies and his favorite action actors included Clint Eastwood and Charles Bronson. He also liked watching wrestling on TV. Although never much of a reader, when he did read, it was usually something with a purpose, such as gaining knowledge or know-how with a technical manual.

For many years, Pete suffered from several chronic illnesses. He had been on dialysis, and he even suffered a couple of strokes. Despite these setbacks in his life, Pete never lost sight of his will to live. He was extremely thankful for each day he was given and to simply be alive. Pete appreciated life and every day he was given. The example he set and the lessons he taught others through his experiences will resonate for years to come. Pete never gave up, and through good days and bad, he just kept going, taking one day at a time. Never to be forgotten, the heart of Peter Foltin lives on in those he touched with ways all his own.

Pete Foltin, age 51, of Decatur died on Sunday, June 25, 2017. His family includes his sister, Kristin Foltin; brother, Paul Foltin; and his dear friend, Rebecca Carrizales and her children: Christopher (Samantha) Disterheft, Scott Carrizales and Nichol Carrizales. Pete was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services for Pete will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 30, 2017 at the Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Home, 60900 M-40; Paw Paw (269-657-3870). Pete’s family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Please visit Pete’s personal memory page at www.BetzlerFuneralHome.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo and sign his guest book. Memorial contributions in Pete’s memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.