Peter Brian Northard

Peter Brian Northard, a beloved and remarkable son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and friend, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at the age of sixty-five on April 10, 2024. Pete had battled bravely, resiliently, and gracefully over the last fourteen months recovering from a difficult lung transplant surgery, and had recently been making progress while persistently fighting so hard to be present for his family.

Pete had an incredible career spanning five decades, which included running the Holiday Inn in Manitowoc; Holiday Inn City Center, Radisson Hotel West, Knickerbocker on the Lake, and Brewhouse Inn and Suites in Milwaukee; and Pheasant Park Resort in Sister Bay. He loved the hospitality industry and making others happy at his establishments. Pete made countless friends and acquaintances over the years and especially enjoyed building a close-knit team of employees who excelled at making guests feel at home. Pete was proud that every property he managed was in a better position when he left for his next challenge than when he had started.

Pete was the founding Chairman of the Board of the Manitowoc Area Visitor & Convention Bureau. He also served for thirteen years on the Board of VISIT Milwaukee and two terms as President of the Greater Milwaukee Lodging Association. Pete believed that he served not just his employer but also the community.

After Pete had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in October of 2021, he posted the following reflections upon his retirement:

Over the years, I have met so many wonderful guests, some of them famous, but most of them just ordinary folks, living their lives and expecting clean accommodations and friendly service. I have witnessed firsthand the class of Bart Starr, the humility of Charlton Heston, and the kindness of Barry Sanders. I have seen so many wedding receptions, anniversaries, and other joyous occasions.

In the hospitality business you sometimes witness the best in people, and at other times the worst. The measure of a good manager, in my estimation, is being present every day for both your guests and your associates. Leading by example, jumping in and helping where needed, and engaging with guests instead of sitting behind a desk are more important now than ever before.

To all those who I have had the pleasure to work with during my career, my sincere thank you. To the 50 or so J-1 visa foreign students I recruited during my time at Pheasant Park, I would say I hope I showed you that no matter how America may be perceived in your country, that most Americans are good, decent, and hardworking people. Most of us welcome people from different countries, no matter their religion or cultural differences. I learned more from all of you than I will ever realize.

Pete was supremely intelligent and a jack-of-all-trades. He was keen on politics and sports, could effortlessly draw maps to scale for anyone needing directions, knew better than the gas light in his car about how much remained in the tank, set house and establishment records for Donkey Kong and Pac-Man, and was always a source of immense fun.

Pete loved biking, concerts, and vacations. He was an accomplished cook who thrived at grilling and co-hosting family gatherings. Pete especially enjoyed golfing with family and friends, as well as bass fishing in and around Door County – usually in his kayak and with his trusty dog, Ollie.

Pete was always there for his loving family. He was a tender, protective, and devoted husband to Lynne, his life partner of forty years, with whom he admirably raised their beautiful children, Amanda and Ethan.

Pete was a kind, generous, and compassionate person who touched the lives of countless others with his warmth, wisdom, and guidance. Whether he was masterfully making silly faces to the great delight of babies and toddlers or taking the time to fish with loved ones who needed some extra attention, he always made everyone around him feel special. He will be deeply and forever missed by family, friends, colleagues, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Marilyn and Lloyd Northard, and his brother, Eric Northard. Pete is survived by his extraordinary wife, Lynne Guinther; cherished daughter, Amanda Northard (Michael Fuller); cherished son, Ethan Northard; sister, Amy (Joe) Korbel; sister-in-law Nancy Northard; brothers Todd Northard, David Northard, and Scott (Jackie) Northard; Lynne’s siblings and family to whom Pete was more brother than in-law; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.