Peter Keith Makulec
Peter Keith Makulec was stopped in his tracks on June 17, 2020 by a perfect storm of complicated health issues. His optimism and resilience were no match for this cruel, final struggle. Having just taken his 63rd trip around the sun on June 3, Pete leaves his bride of 29 years, Elizabeth (Arn) and loyal pup Ginger to carry on the ride.
Born to Alfred and Lois Makulec in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, he was a proud Clevelander who called Shaker Heights, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and finally Glendale, Missouri home. Pete is survived by brothers David (Ann Mackey, Ethan, Sara) of Hastings-on-Hudson, New York and Christopher (Teri, Dakota) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and St. Louis in-laws Sara Arn; Kris, Brian, Toppie and John Hogan; Courtney, Patrick, and Molly Maloney; Cathy, Don, Trey, Jordan, Blaise, Parker, Jennie Rae, Parks, Dillon and Amber Sanders; Sally, Lucy and AJ Owens. Pete also leaves cherished lifelong friends and respected colleagues.
After graduating from Shaker Heights High School, Pete took a ‘gap 6-months’ – before gap years were the cool thing to do – to travel the US by Greyhound Bus. He landed at Tulane University where he coached inter-mural sports, grew his krewe of friends and came to embrace ‘laissez les bons temps rouler’ (let the good times roll) as a personal credo. Upon graduation, he established a career in sales and management, beginning by scooping ice cream at Baskin Robbins in New Orleans. Pete went on to manage a grocery store, a Wendy’s restaurant, was an early adopter and seller of mobile phones with Southwestern/Atlantic Bell, managed the home mortgage division of Centex Homes, sold Natural Form sleep systems, and most recently worked in the commercial real estate lending field with CBRE/Capstone.
Pete had a lifelong commitment to bettering his community through philanthropy, evidenced by his support of the American Cancer Society, co-chairing the KUTO Tee it Up for Teens Golf Classic, coordinating Red Cross Blood Drives and health fairs, volunteerism with CBRE Cares, and membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was proud to have served St. Louis Elks Lodge #9 as Exalted Ruler, modeling the principles of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity.
A fan and player of all things sports – swimming, football, softball, hockey and golf topped Pete’s list. He was an organizer extraordinaire known for his football and basketball Super Squares pools, Full Fall Foliage winery tours, Super Bash Super Bowl parties and one-club golf outings. Friendship was a priority for Pete. He seldom met a stranger and built a ‘family of friends’ throughout his lifetime in states across the country.
Pete had a huge heart and kind, gracious soul. He was quick with a pun or bad joke and always made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. He was a good man and deserved a better hand than his body dealt him. Pete never complained, never once asked ‘why me’ and bravely faced each health challenge with his typical ‘no hill for a climber!’ attitude. He was the kind of friend a friend would like to have – genuine, straight-shooter, supportive, a whole lot of fun, a gentleman of integrity. Pete loved fully and was fully loved, his absence will not go unnoticed. He will be sorely missed by all who loved him, knew him or simply crossed his path.
In remembrance of Pete, the family asks that you hug and hold your loved ones tight and never pass up the chance to raise a cold one to friendship, love and absent members. Peaceful rest, our Sweet Prince.
Due to current public health concerns, a celebration of Pete’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution to KUTO, 2718 S. Brentwood Blvd., STL, 63144, www.kuto.org;
St. Louis University Transplant Services, 3635 Vista Ave, STL, 63110, www.ssmhealth.com/transplant-services;
Elks National Foundation, 2750 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago, IL 60614-2256, enf@elks.org, or to a charity of your choice would be an amazing tribute to his life well lived.
Friends old and new are invited to sign the online guest book at stlouiscremation.com/obituary-listings.
Pete was one of the kindest, generous and funniest man I have ever met. He will be. missed tremendously by so many people who’s lives he touched!
What a great tribute to Pete’s life. I know you will miss him greatly. He had left his mark and it is a good one. My sympathy goes out to you Elizabeth for your loss ⚜️????????
Pete was truly one of a kind. A gentle giant if there ever was one. What has been written is a perfect description of “all things Pete”. I will miss our “seasonal conversations” during both Browns and Tribe seasons. But mostly I will miss knowing that Pete is around touching people as he touched me for all these years. A good man gone.
Shocked doesn’t describe my feeling when I learned of Pete’s death. Last I saw him his presence filled the room and his graciousness was ever present. He will be remembered and missed.
Nothing but great memories of Pete even though it’s been 45 years since we last saw each other! Rest In Peace, Pete…
What a beautiful tribute to a truly wonderful man. He will be missed by many many friends and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with the all during these difficult days.
I met Pete in New Orleans in 76 or 77. Always fun and kind and a gentleman. Game for anything – he was Snow White to our seven dwarfs for Halloween! We won quite a few contests that night! Great sport – great dance partner – great friend to one and all! I will always think of him though I don’t think our loved ones are lost to us. Thank you Elizabeth for loving him and giving him such a happy life. Love, Kim
I came late to the party with Pete, meeting him when I married Kim. Pete was always in the middle of it. Great times at the wineries, Super Bowl parties and the Elks. Always enjoyed being in his company. Wish we had spent more time together. Prost! Tom
I am so glad we got to see Pete and Elizabeth in Oct. He knew he had cancer at that time but elected not to say anything. I suppose he didn’t want to kill the mood.. He was clearly like by all that meet him. His sense of community and giving back was second to none. I will miss you Pete! Love you Brother.
So very sorry to hear this. Pete was such a huge part of my family growing up and I have such great memories of those times. He will be truly missed. My sincere condolences to Elizabeth. Rest In Peace Pete
What a great tribute to Pete! My family has so many wonderful memories growing up with him that we’ll never forget! I’m so sorry to hear this but I know he’s resting in peace and living large in our hearts!
Such a beautiful tribute to Pete. To all his extended family my deepest sympathy in your loss as you cherish the happy times.
Al and Lois would be so proud of his life of service and love.
Peace.
So very sorry to see Pete’s departure and the challenges he fought through bravely.
I always enjoyed his sense of humor and personality, having worked with him on projects through the year.
Prayers and blessings to his family!
Chris and Lori Barham
I only had a pleasure of working with Pete over the phone but I can say without hesitation, that he was a true professional. From the first time that we started working on a finance deal together, there was an instant camaraderie and respect shared between us. As we continued to work together, they was an unspoken understanding of what needed to be done by whom, to keep the deal moving forward and eventually close. It is very rare that a relationship evolves so quickly and it is a testament to Pete. As he became ill, he kept me informed and he never complained. He told me how blessed he was to have such a wonderful marriage and how much he adored his dog.
Pete, you are gone but never forgotten.
My condolences to his wife and family.
I only had the privilege of meeting Pete at events, but during our short time together, it was more than evident how big his heart was. He was an advocate for veterans, a true hero, and he will be sorely missed.
Sorry to hear about Pete’s passing. Pete and I were good buddies from 7th grade through high school. I spent many days in his back yard playing one on one wiffle ball. We always did a lot athletically and had fun in school while getting good grades. RIP bro.
Chuck Stearns