Dear Classes of 1964 & 1965:

This is a Deacon Alert to inform you of the passing of Peter Michael Pianka ('65) on Sunday, June 22nd.

Peter was a member of the Class of 1965, and the brother of the late Katie (Pianka) Diemert ('64).

Obituary:

Peter Michael Pianka, 78, of Moorhead, Minnesota, passed away suddenly on June 22, 2025.

Born in Vancouver, Washington, to Dr. Wallace and Madeline Pianka (Riley), Pete grew up on various military bases in the Pacific Northwest before moving to Fargo, North Dakota, in the sixth grade. He graduated from Shanley High School in 1965 and continued his education at North Dakota State University.

Pete’s greatest achievement was marrying Maxine in 1971. In true Pete fashion, he didn’t ask her to marry him, but instead brought her to the jewelry store and told her to pick out a ring setting. They spent their lives in the Fargo-Moorhead area, Pete working for 42 years at Fargo Glass & Paint. They raised two girls whom he loved unconditionally, even if he couldn’t tell you exactly which years they were born. He ensured they always had reliable vehicles, gas money, and snarky senses of humor.

Pete was an NDSU Team Maker for several decades, often travelling to watch the Bison win championships and other big games. After retiring, he enjoyed spending the winter months in warmer climates. He loved the beach, sunsets, seafood, and Gulf air in Marco Island, Florida.

He spent much of his free time in the garage working on classic cars (1960 El Camino, 1955 Chevy, and various Corvettes). For the last few decades his pride and joy was a loud, yellow 1967 Corvette Sting Ray. He enjoyed being a longstanding member of the Valley Vintage Car Club.

Pete appreciated people for who they were and had friends from all sorts of backgrounds. He loved bringing people together and would often invite people over for a basement party or backyard barbecue.

He will be remembered fondly by his family for being a crab-ass with a heart of gold. He’ll be remembered by others for his smooth moves on the dance floor, his love of college football (go Herd!), his passion for classic cars, and how proud he was of his family.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Katie Diemert, and the family ankle biter, Black Jack. He is survived by his saintly wife, Maxine (Levos) Pianka; his loving daughters, Christine (Brian) Wickenheiser and Sarah (Chris Holmberg) Pianka; and his grandchildren, Wyatt and Adeline Wickenheiser.

Visitation - Thursday: July 3, 2025 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
(701) 237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

Memorial Service - Thursday: July 3, 2025 10:00 am

Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
(701) 237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

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