Peter Elsts

Peter Elsts, 82, passed away December 12, 2021.

He was born May 1, 1939 in Latvia to the late Jezups and Genovefa Elsts.  His family fled Latvia when he was just a boy and emigrated to Indiana.  He attended SS Peter & Paul Cathedral Catholic Church with his parents as a young boy and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1958.  Pete began working as a millwright/journeyman at Western Electric Telephone Manufacturing Company in Indianapolis in 1959.  He continued there until its closing in 1985.  Pete then moved to Norcross, GA and used his talents to secure a position with AT&T Technologies Fiber-Optics Manufacturing Company.  He retired in 1990 after 31 years as a millwright. Pete was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council No 3660.

At the age of 18, Pete got his first car – a metallic green 1954 Ford Convertible.  This began a lifelong love, and he enjoyed owning over 32 different vehicles through the years.  It is therefore no surprise that he liked to go for drives and loved travelling with his wife, Joyce.  Pete and Joyce gathered a multitude of memories together as friends, companions and soulmates since marrying one another on August 7, 1981.

Pete also cherished time spent with family and friends.  He enjoyed shooting pool with his children, playing cards with his friends from Georgia, and hosting family and friends at cookouts, graduations, and many festive holidays.

Family was the most important part of Pete’s life.  He is survived by his wife, Joyce Elsts; children, Michelle (Phil) Schwindler, Debbie Regnier, Peter (Lisa) Elsts, Laura Elsts, and Jason (Julie) Elsts; two step-children; 24 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and his former wife, Alix Elsts.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Shawn Elsts; and great-granddaughter, Annabelle Schwindler.

Funeral services will be held at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary, 11411 North Michigan Road, on Friday, December 17th at 11 AM.  Friends are welcome to visit from 10 AM until the time of the service.  Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to a fund established for a permanent memorial .  Please designate "For Peter Elsts" in message.