Peter D. McCartney

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Davies McCartney, 68, of La Crosse, Wisconsin. He gently departed this life in his home on August 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Pete was born in Minneapolis, MN, on March 20, 1957, to the late William and Elizabeth “Betsy” McCartney. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of St. Thomas and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. He finished his career at Gundersen Health System, where he held different positions over the 29 years there. Lastly, he worked as a data analyst in the Quality Department.

He found great joy in the simple pleasures of life- road biking, hiking, time with family and friends, traveling, a good dinner, concerts, and time in nature.

Pete was a pancake maker and lover through and through. As long as they were topped with peanut butter, all was well. His entire life, he enjoyed taking trips to Door County and Madeline Island. He loved going to Minnesota Wild games with his daughter, Laney. He had fond memories of golfing with his father and carrying on the tradition with his son, Quinn. He wholeheartedly embraced being a dad, both in their childhood years and as they grew into young adults, enjoying many wonderful conversations throughout their lives.

He had a passion for all things health and wellness, which led him to amazing places- completion of many marathons and an Ironman. In this area of his life, he enjoyed encouraging others.

He had a deep appreciation for all types of music, always searching for the next concert. Hiking the forests along the shores of Lake Superior with his wife Karen, was special to his heart. Their love for the beauty found in nature brought them to many of the National Parks, their favorite being Yosemite.

He spoke of his father's kind, generous spirit as a guiding example in his life. Like his father, his most impressive years may have been those when he struggled with his failing health, never losing his sense of meaning and purpose, and keeping his faith alive. Despite his difficult journey with cancer, he never lost sight of God’s goodness.

A Celebration of Life for Pete will be held on Sunday, November 2, from 1:00-3:00 pm at The Nature Place in La Crosse. A private family burial service will be held to follow.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. https://bloodcancerunited.org/get-involved/ways-to-give

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Gundersen’s Dr. Ben Parsons, Nina PAC, and Kathy, who listened so well, and to the gentle, kind Hospice team who cared for Pete in his last days.

Pete will be deeply missed by his wife, Karen Domke McCartney, son, Quinn (Jenna) McCartney, daughter, Lane (Nick) McCartney, Mary (Jim) McCartney, mother of Quinn and Lane, sister and brother-in-law, Drew and Bob Kortum, brother and sister-in-law, Sandy and Tracy McCartney, nieces, Becky (Jared) Hartman and their children Owen and Camille, Susan (Spencer) Cornish, nephew Jim Kortum, mother-in-law Marilyn Domke, step-daughter, Danielle (Russell) Boardman and their daughter Willow, brother-in-law, Mark (Linda) Domke, sister-in-law, Janet Lepke, as well as many dear friends.

In our eyes, Pete’s story was one of patience, gentleness, kindness, hope, and perseverance- but above all, faith in God’s love and promises.