Peter J. Schabloski

OSHKOSH - Peter J. Schabloski, age 77, joined his Lord and Savior on August 12, 2025, at 8:05 p.m. after a long and difficult battle with cancer. Pete was born on August 14, 1947, of John and Madeline Schabloski and later, became a step-son to Harry E. Molinski along with his mother, Madeline M. Molinski.

Pete graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1966. In 1967, he was drafted into the U.S. Army during theViet Nam war. He entered basic training at Fort Campbell, Ky. where he received a score of 499 out of 500 for physical fitness training in Echo Company with 500 soldiers. He was promoted to an E-5 Drill Sergeant and was awarded the Expert Marksman Medal for both Machinery and Rifle while stationed at Ford Ord, Ca. Later in 2013, his wife, Gail, planned a surprise Legacy Stone Ceremony for Pete at The Highground Veterans Memorial in Neillsville, WI. where a commemorative stone was placed to honor his service for our country. Over 25 guests were in attendance.

After his military service, Pete returned to Oshkosh where he had worked as a machinist at Moe's Marine Service, a family-owned and operated business developed by his step-father, "Moe" in 1959. Pete learned the trade of pitching, painting and reconditioning propellers and lower units for boats since the age of 16. He left Moe's Marine Service briefly in 1988 to work under Fred Keikhaefer of Mercury Marine, Fond du Lac, WI. as a propeller specialist testing props on boats in Florida and other states. He later returned to Moe's Marine and to a new machine shop. His excellent skills resulted in Pete becoming widely known as the "Prop Doctor". He was recognized as one of the finest machinists in the marine business in Wisconsin, Upper Michigan and Northern Illinois by over 200 dealers who utilized his services. Moe's Marine Service remained in business for over 60 years. Pete continued to work full-time until the age of 75.

Pete was an exceptional athlete in his youth and throughout his life. His first love was basketball starting in 6th grade. He was awarded "Honorable Mention" in the 8th grade and continued to play as a guard at Oshkosh High School. In his freshman year he became the "leading score player" in the City of Oshkosh. During his sophomore year, Pete played on the varsity team and received the "All Tournament Team Player" award.

Baseball was Pete's second love. At age 10, he rode his bicycle back and forth from Lake Butte des Mort where he lived to Menominee Park twice a day just to play ball in the City of Oshkosh's Summer Baseball League. After returning from the Army, Pete continued to play baseball for various leagues resuming his position as third baseman until an injury retired him from baseball.

In the 1970's, Pete was on a mixed couples bowling team receiving trophies two years running for the "most improved bowler" in the City of Oshkosh.

His talents knew no boundaries and he ended his athletic enthusiasm playing golf for several years before his time became limited.

Pete was an avid sportsman and revered by many for his duck hunting talents. In 1968, Pete's step-father, Harry Molinski, purchased the 1600 acre land known as Terrell's Island in Oshkosh, where Pete indulged in the love of duck hunting. His devoted companion, Ginger, his yellow lab, allowed Pete to be a highly successful duck hunter. In the 1970's, Robbins Sportsman's Club developed and included over 30 duck hunting members from Illinois and Wisconsin. They traditionally ended the season by celebrating with a duck feed and banquet held at Terrell's Island and sponsored by Robbins Restaurant. Years later, the family sold Terrell's Island to the Butte des Mort Conservation Club where today, it is known as a wild life refuge enjoyed by many visitors and travelers.

Pete was also a deer hunting enthusiast. He shot over 30 bucks being taught by his step-father, "the best teacher" in Pete's words. It was a standard in their deer camp that only bucks were to be shot. The tradition ended with Pete retiring from all hunting when he turned 70. He was satisfied with his hunting fortune over the years and no longer had the desire to "kill" even just for the sport itself.

On June 12, 1992, Pete married the "shy girl" as he referred to her, Gail Bathke, he had originally met in high school. They married in an intimate wedding ceremony along with his adopted daughters, Alyssa Schabloski and Andrea Schabloski at Community Church, Oshkosh, WI. At the age of 45, Pete became a father once again to a 7- week premature newborn daughter, named Malori Mae Schabloski. Pete endearingly referred to Malori over the years as his little "weed hopper". Of course, to Pete, Alyssa was "Lu Lu" and Andrea was "Snickers"; the girls felt especially fond of their Dad's nicknames.

Pete had the most fun taking his daughters all on outdoor excursions; and "teasing" was, of course, always part of their adventure. One of his favorite celebrations was Halloween, dressing up along with his girls while taking them, their cousins and their friends trick-or-treating. In his daughters' eyes, Pete's love and support knew no boundaries. They revered their father and he will be sorrily missed.

Pete is survived by his wife, Gail; their daughters: Alyssa Schabloski, Santa Monica, Ca.; and Malori Schabloski of Oshkosh, WI. He is further survived by his brother, Jay (Sandy) Schabloski; sister, June MacAdam; and half-brother, Joel (Kathy) Molinski; and many nieces and nephews and their families. Pete was preceded in death by his father, John Schabloski; his step-father, Harry Molinski; his mother, Madeline Molinski; his daughter, Andrea Schabloski; and his in-laws, Ruben and Joyce Bathke.

A private memorial service will take place at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Homes-Westside. Inurnment will take place at Ellenwood Cemetery, Oshkosh. A celebration of life to honor Pete will be announced at a later date.

His family would like to thank all the staff at Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, WI., Theda Care Cancer Center, Appleton/Oshkosh, WI., the Wisconsin Veterans Association and Moments Hospice, Appleton, WI.

A special thank you to all family and friends for their continued prayers, well-wishes and support throughout Pete's cancer journey.

Donations are welcomed to the to The Highground Veterans Memorial in Neillsville, WI. and to Appleton Alliance Church, Appleton, WI.