"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of sorrow. Cherish the memories of all the special times with Pete. He was truly a special man!"
In loving memory of
PETE MESTNIK
January 3, 1953 - December 18, 2007
Dr. Daniel ?Pete? Mestnik, 54, ended his life journey on December 18, 2007 to begin an even greater journey in heaven.
Pete was born on January 3, 1953 in Virginia, Minnesota, son of Daniel E. and Theresa Mestnik. He was a 1971 graduate of Wakefield High School.
Pete attended Michigan Tech University from 1971 ? 1973 in the pre-med program, later attending the University of Michigan, graduating in 1977 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. In 1980, Pete completed an oral surgery residency at the U of M., receiving his M.S. He loved his beloved University of Michigan.
He was engaged in private practice in Marquette as an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon and was also a staff member at both Marquette General and Bell Memorial Hospitals.
Pete worked in the Marquette and Ishpeming areas for over 25 years as an oral surgeon. He loved his job; to him it was not a job, it was a joy. Anyone who went to see him was lucky to have Pete as their doctor.
His professional affiliations included memberships in the Michigan and American Dental Associations, the Superior District Dental Society, which he previously served as treasurer. He was also a member of the Michigan Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Chalmers Lyons Academy and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Pete was a member of St. Peter Cathedral, the Lake Superior Community Partnership, St. Louis the King Council #6447 Knights of Columbus and Bishop Baraga the Snowshoe Priest Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.
Pete?s faith was like no other; there wasn?t a day that went by that he didn?t visit the tomb of Bishop Baraga and we know that he is now able to meet the man that gave him the strength to go on every day.
Pete was happiest when he was with his family. From watching his son play sports to watching his daughter ride her horse, to sitting around his table saying grace for the meal he had prepared for everyone.
Pete was also an avid hunter, sportsman and craftsman. He loved walking through the woods in Paulding with his son and faithful dogs, brother-in-law and nephew at his side looking for grouse and deer.
He enjoyed having a new construction project at the home in Michigamme every summer. Everyone knew that a construction project at Michigamme meant Pete?s famous rotisserie chickens would be served for dinner.
Pete will be missed by many here on earth, but we know that he has greater plans in heaven and he will be waiting for us with open arms to greet us when our time comes. His life has not ended, it has just begun.
He is survived by his wife, Lynne Mestnik; two children, Nick and Allie Mestnik, both at home; his parents, Daniel and Theresa Mestnik of Marquette; his sister and best friend, Judy (Jim) Gray of Ishpeming; also nieces and nephews, Stacy (Bryan Bertucci), Tonya (Matt) Rochinski and Jayden, Rebecca (Adam) Hermann, Sarah (Steve) Noasconi, Stephanie Gray and Jimmy Gray; special aunt and uncle, Gloria and Gary Buchschacher; his fatherin-in-law, Stanley S. Schafer; brothers-in-law, Gordon Schafer and his children, Travis and Brandon, Tim and Donna Schafer and their children, Jeff, (Danielle), Stefanie and Monica, Craig and Jennifer Schafer and their children, Wyatt and Luke, Eric and Holly Schafer and their children, Aidan and Olivia; sister-in-law, Debbie Johnston and her son, Nathan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Ben Paris officiating and Deacon Scott Jamieson assisting. Burial will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. where the Knights of Columbus will recite the rosary at 7:15 p.m. because of Pete?s love for the rosary. A parish prayer service will follow at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will also take place on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the mass in the Bishop?s Room of the cathedral.
Members of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will act as honor guard.
Pallbearers will be Don Carlson, Pete Belpedio, Mike Orhanen, Greg Zyburt, Jimmy Gray and Kelly Klatt. Honorary bearers will be Harry Sanborn and John Crider.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to St. Peter Cathedral Sanctuary Renovation Fund or to the Bishop Baraga Association in Dr. Mestnik?s memory.
Tributes
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, Lynne. Pete was a very special man. When my kids needed oral surgery, Pete made it less frightening for them and treated them with humor and compassion. He definitely was one of the "good guys" and you can be sure that Heaven has big plans for him. You are so lucky to have him as your special Guardian Angel. Take care and God Bless. Linda & Curt Sleeman and family"
"What a great photo of Pete, showing him doing one of the things he loved best...hunting! Our thoughts are with you Lynn, Allie and Nick! I only hope that my kids remember me the same way that Nick and Allie can remember how much fun Pete was and what a great sense of humor he had! We will think about him often! Our prayers are with the whole family!"
"Ours thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Lynne, Pete was a very special man, with the greatest sense of humor. Cherish the memories he is your guardian angel. Sincerely Love always Marc & Pam Gilmore"
"Dear Lynne, Nick & Allie, Judy & Jim, and Dan & Theresa: Our thoughts are with you at this sorrowful time-I have great memories of Pete out the Serbian Lodge camp as well as Camp 9 all those years ago...we will miss him...take care Dan, Susan, Shane, Nick, and Rachel Obradovich"
"So sorry to hear of your loss. He was such a compassionate man when I had my wisdom teeth out. Your in my thoughts and prayers."
"Mestnik family. --Our deepest sympathy to you . Kris and I graduated with Pete and I was also his neighbor. We have such warm memories of him.He was just the class clown, but the one that never got caught!! Always was playing pranks and driving our poor Biology/chemestry teacher just bonkers. Kris and Pete played football together and we do have a really nice picture of the 2 of them that we would like to share with you. Our hearts and prayers are with you at this tiem ."
"lynn and Family - I knew Pete a as casual aquaintance who was always friendly to me. When I saw Pete he reminded me so much of a deceased close Friend Richard (Dick)Flack. My friend Dick in his final days on Earth expressed his deep love for Lynn and only asked that God give his then wife Lynn a man who would cherish her as much as he did. It made me so pround to have such a person as a friend and then to have his prayers answered when Pete and Lynn became husband and wife. God truly is around us and may he be with your family. May God Bless. Howard Fissette"
"Dear Mestnik family: We did not know Dr. Mesnik extremely well; however, what we did know of him, he was a wonderful man. During the summer of 1995 our son Shawn had his wisdom teeth removed prior to working at Bay Cliff as a Lifeguard. About two weeks later, one side abcessed. We contacted the office and he said that he would see him. I explained that he was at camp and nly could get home on the weekend (this was on a Thursday). Dr. Mestnik did not hesitate to say that he would meet us Saturday morning. In the meantime he contacted Bay Cliff and ordered something for the pain to get him through. Very few doctors would be that caring. I can not say thank you enough or say how much that meant to us. He will be greatly missed by all. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers."
"To the family of Dr. Mestnik, Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Dr. Mestnik was undoubtedly one of the finest and most respected doctors this area has ever seen. He had a certain way, a gentle approach, to his patients that can never be duplicated. When my oldest daughter was petrified about having her wisdom teeth removed, Dr. Mestnik's unique sense of humor helped relieve her fears and put her at ease. From there, my daughter was "A" ok. From that day forward, I developed a newfound respect for Dr. Mestnik. His loss is one the entire community must shoulder. He was a fine doctor, but even better person that was loved by so many. He will be missed by all those who knew him. May God bless him as he begins his journey in heaven."
"Dr. Mestnik was a terrific doctor and such a sweet heart! I am the worlds biggest chicken when it comes to doctors or dentists and I absolutly LOVED going to see him! Be Blessed Dr. Mestnik! You will always be remembered here in Marquette as a wonderful man!"
"Lynn, Nick and Allie, Being so far from our native home of Detroit, we weren't sure if we would ever find UofM fans in the UP to match our own fanaticism - we found them in Pete and Nick! What a wonderful man, husband, and father you have had - I will miss his sense of humor and zest for life (even in the darkest of days - he always seemed to find humor). We are so sorry we won't be able to attend the funeral mass on Friday - our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! God Bless Pete and Go Blue!"
"Lynn, Nick and Allie~ We send our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. Your dad/husband will be greatly missed by many friends and family members. He was a wonderful man. May you remember all of the wonderful times that you spent with your father/husband. May God continue to bless you and keep your dads/husbands memories alive in your hearts."
"I send my Sympathy to the Mestnik Family I am Pete's ex sister-in-law I have known Pete for many yrs. as he was such a Wonderful Person that alway's made you laugh as he had a great sence of humor. I will never forget him. I am suffering with M.S. and now and then he would visit me in the hospital @ M.G.H. my Mother had alot of Dental work done also and just loved him. May you know Pete will be missed very much but never forgotten "God Bless you All""
"Dear Mestnik Family, I had the opportunity to work with Dr Mestnik for several years while he was at MGH. He always came in with a smile a story or a joke. I also had him as a doctor and he made me feel so comfortable in a scary situation. He will be missed by many and remembered for the kind and caring person he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time."
"Lynn, Nick & Allie - We are so very sorry to hear of Pete's passing. Kimber and Nick were in class together at Father MQT. so, we haven't seen you in a while. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in knowing that he is now at peace."
"TO THE MESNICK'S, I WORKED WITH DR MESTNICK IN THE RECOVERY ROOM AT MGH. HE WAS ALWAYS KIND, CARING, AND RESPECTFUL OF STAFF AND PATIENTS. NEVER TOO BUSY TO EXPLAIN SOMETHING OR LISTEN TO YOU. THE WORLD IS A LESSER PLACE BUT THINK HOW RICH HEAVEN IS NOW!"
"Dear Lynne and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. I knew Pete as a kind, generous man. When financial times were lean, Pete would find work for me at his house and pay me generously. Later, when I went back to school, Pete pulled me aside down at the food festival and told me if I need help just to call . What a wonderful man and I can see from all the responses he touched many lives in the same way...he made this a better place and now is doing the same in heaven. God Bless!!!"
"Uncle Pete, you have always been a person I looked up to and respected and that will never change. Thanks for the many memories and the even more laughs. We will miss you dearly and we love you. Auntie Lynne, Nick and Allie, you are in our thoughts and prayers, we love you. Matt, Toni, Jayden and Baby Chloe."
"Aunty Lynne, Nicky, Allie, mom and dad....Words can never express who Uncle Pete was or what he meant to me, but I will try in a couple of sentences. Uncle Pete was one of the most amazing men I have ever known. He was one of my number one role models. I looked up to him for everything; from his faith to his strength to his humor. I am going to miss all of our priceless memories together from eating octopus "testicles" to laughing at all of dad's jokes. Uncle Pete, I am going to miss you but I know we will be able to talk to you every day. Aunty Lynne and kids....I may be a couple of hours away but always know that I will come to you in an instant if you need anything. Uncle Pete was a wonderful man and will be in my heart forever. He is forever looking down on us and we are lucky to have him as our guardian angel. I love you all. (And let's never forget what we will say before every meal, "Rubba dub dub, thanks for the grub, be happy, go for it.") Love you forever Uncle Pete."
"I loved Pete very much. He had such a wonderful heart for sharing with others. He will be missed by all those he touched. He was a very talented surgeon and the medical community of Marquette will be at a loss. I loved his family very much and send them my love in this time of need.. xox"
"To all members of Pete's family, we extend our deep sympathies and prayers. May God hold you close and comfort each of you during this time of great loss. Finally, may Pete's soul be eternally at peace."
"Dear Lynne and family: My heart goes out to you during this difficult and horribly sad time. Even when you know God has taken him home where there is no more pain and suffering, you are left with a huge hole in your hearts that nothing will ever be able to fill. Try to see his face in the clouds...he is looking down and smiling at his beloved family, wanting you all to be happy knowing that his love for you continues. Our God in heaven also loves you very much and will be there in your darkest hours when you cry out in your grief and pain. Let His love enfold you and give you peace and comfort. It is there for you and it will be your source of strength in the days to come. Pete showed that faith every day....he set a shining example of what loving God could do for a person. Follow his lead and trust that faith will lead you home, just as it did him. Don't forget the friends and family who have offered to be there for you in the days ahead. Grief is easier when shared with others. My prayers are with you. Denise Dupras (Tourville's)"
"Dear Neighbors, We have been very fortunate to have the Mestnik family as our neighbors & friends and Pete will be missed by anyone that spent even a minute with him. We share in your loss and will miss hearing Pete whistling for his dogs, riding his lawn mower and just being "Pete". His unique humor and consideration for others will always be remembered by us. The Schneider's Jack, Gail, Nick and Lindsay"
"Lynne, Nick & Allie, I was so sorry to hear of Pete's passing. I worked many years for Pete & Lynne and watched as their wonderful family grew. I know Pete dearly loved his home and family and was never happier than when his truck was pulling into the driveway. May strength and peace be with all of you."
"Lynne, Nick, and Allie: In one's lifetime, we only meet a few really special people. Pete was one of those really special. I had the privilege of knowing him for the 14 years, I have been his neighbor. He once asked me if I would remember him... I will always remember my friend Pete."
"Lynne, Nick, Allie and Reagan (Pete and Allie's dog), Judy, Jim, the rest of the Grays and the other members of the Mestnik team, the earthly journey for Pete has ended. At the same time, his heavenly one has just started. Through his illness, so many people bonded with Pete and all of you. Through his memories that bond will only grow stronger. Pete's spirit surrounds each of you today. It will provide you comfort when you stand alone in your homes thinking about Pete; when you are with friends and want to call him to share an experience; when you think about the "what ifs" and when you wake up in the morning or go to bed at night without Pete's earthly presence. Know that he is inside you -- in your souls. This presence will grow stronger and stronger each day. Your souls combined with God's love will pull you up when you are down. It will make you laugh when you want to cry. It will lead you to call one of us when you want to talk about something or nothing. Just say when and where and one of the family and/or friends will arrive to represent Pete and speak and act on his behalf. During our car rides to see Francis, Pete often told me that the worst thing about all of this was not his own suffering or pain. It was leaving all of you behind. He wanted you to hear one last time "I love you. Thank you! I will be with you always..." On behalf of Christian, Kelly and myself, know that we, too, love you dearly and thank you for letting us be a small part of your lives."
"Dear Neighbors, We have been very fortunate to have Pete and his family as our neighbors and he will truly be missed. My Wife and I recently moved in the neighborhood and have stopped and talk with Pete on several occasions. We share in your loss and will miss hearing Pete whistling for his dogs, riding his lawn mower and just being "Pete". His unique humor and consideration for others will always be remembered by us. The Dennis's Bill and Jan Dec 20, 2007"
"Lynne and Family, It's a sad day around here knowing that Pete will not be bouncing in the door making us all feel good!! We didn't know him long but our rememberance are great ones. We also enjoyed the fact that he would keep Doug on his toes. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers and if we can be of any help please do not hesitate to let us know!! Love, The Office staff at Northstar Investment"
"I felt very bad to read that Pete had died. You have my sympathy as well as my Mother, Helen. She lives with me. Mr. & Mrs. Mesnik and Judy: I feel for you. Pete was a great kid."
"Dear Lynne, Nick & Allie, Judy & Jim, and Dan ("Chez") & Theresa: So many memories of Pete and Chez from Serbian Lodge and years before. We still laugh about the stories and antics of Pete, who always seemed happy and smiling and full of life. Thank you to Pete for giving our oldest son his first dog, Coco. Pete is a role model for the medical profession, his community, and other dads. He fought a battle bravely and we thank him for staying with us as long as he could. Our thoughts are with you all. We will miss him very much. I can picture him with Nick Sr in heaven, which would look like a hunting camp to them, having a chew and discussing the next hunt..... Take care. "Buwana and Nannie" Nick and Nancy Obradovich Mike and Tim Iron Mountain, Michigan"
"a fine and skilled surgeon and a wonderful friend.a real UP guy!"
"Dear Lynne and Family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers over this holiday season. We are so sorry for your loss. My memories of Pete are from when I was Nick and Ally's age, and my parents owned the gym. He was the kind of guy that was always able to put a smile on your face, either with his quick wit, or the large smile that he was always carrying! This is the way we will always remember him! The Dawson's are always there if you need us, for anything! Take care! Love Matt, Lori, and Brennah Dawson"
"Lynne and Mestnik Family, The Mestnik family, Minnesota cousins of Pete, would like to offer our condolences as well. Terry told us about Pete's passing and has shared stories about Pete. We wish we had been closer to be able to help. However,we send thoughts of strength and friendship for the coming days. May Pete's memories sustain you and the family during these difficult times. Pat, Kathy, Joe, Greg,Erik, Kira, Kasya"
"Dear Lynne, Allie and Nick, We were so saddened to learn of Pete's death. Beth Stanchina sent us the news along with the link here. We have some really happy memories of Pete and all of you: NMU's homecoming parade where Pete gave my kids all the candy,(job security, Pete said:-) Saturday intermurial games at the Father Marquette grade school gym, Molly being Nick's 7th grade substitute teacher, Allie giving Mia the coolest clothes ever, adopting Mia as her little sister,(Mia still talks about the red Mustang convertible, Lynne) and Pete taking out Molly's wisdom teeth at this time of year when she was a Freshman at NMU. Charlie is carrying on the tradition of being, the ultimate U of M fan and in this land of 'Fighting Illini' it's been tough! We plan to return to the UP for Allie's 8th grade graduation and we cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. We miss you all and hope you find some small comfort in knowing that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Ginny, Bill, Charlie,and Mia Knox and Molly Doyle"
"Lynne, Nick and Allie, I am truly sorry to hear about Pete's passing. He was an amazing person and a good friend. I treasure the memories of many Sunday evenings at the kitchen table sharing a meal or playing Gin Rummy, or sitting together watching TV in the basement, later, walking through the house to get the news on the latest remodel or addition. His home was always open to us, and his generosity immeasurable. Pete always made me and my brothers welcome, and we could never thank him enough. He enriched our lives just by knowing him, and he will be greatly missed."
"Dear Lynne and Family, While I never met Pete, I feel like I already know who he was, and you were so fortunate to be able to spend some of your lifetime with him! It sounds like he touched so many people in a positive way, and that he was the kind of person we all should look up to!! I'm proud to know of him and to know that he was admired in the medical profession! If all of us could live up to half the accolades he has received so far, the world would be a better place!!!! Pete, thank you for sharing your life, your joy, your humor, and your talents with us on earth! And thank you for being an inspiration to us all!!"