Hiram J. Pettey, Jr., age 77, of Spooner, WI, died Wednesday, February 11, 2021, after a courageous battle with kidney failure.

Hiram James Pettey was born August 17, 1943, in Rochester, MN to Hiram, Sr. and Helen (Struckmann) Pettey.

After graduating from John Marshall High School, he enlisted in the Army Reserves for 6 years. In 1966, he married Verdell Schwantz of Plainview, MN. He worked at French’s Produce and Clutch and Transmission in Rochester. In 1972, he and Verdell started S&M Salvage and Marine in Oronoco, MN. They retired from it after 42 years and moved to Spooner, WI. In his retirement, he drove the handicap van for Maple Ridge Care Center in Spooner. Hiram’s positive outlook radiated in his family, friends, doctors and nurses. His love of motorcycling took him to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally almost 50 times. He taught his sons a strong work ethic, to be skillful mechanics and hard workers. Their snowmobiling, motorcycling and fishing trips filled several photo albums with pictures. He loved his family, cabin, classic cars and skidloaders. His Spooner neighbors enjoyed his coffee, donuts and snowplowing!

Hiram is survived by his wife, Verdell and their two sons; Terry (Elizabeth), Pleasant Prairie, WI and Eric (Carrie), Hudson, WI; five grandchildren:  Brandyn, Carter, Olivia, Isaac and Adeline; a sister, Nina (Paul) Koperski, Ventura, CA; a brother, Lyle (Maribeth) Pettey, Rochester, MN; nieces, Sarah Pettey (Justine Marks), Kristin (Tyler) Manzo; nephew, Scott (Denise) Pettey and grand-nephew, Gavin Clark; and his dog, Joey.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A graveside service will be held on May 1, 2021, at the Greenwood Cemetery in Plainview, MN. A car cruise and celebration of life will follow.

Spooner Funeral Home of Spooner, WI and Schadand Zabel Funeral Home of Plainview, MN, are in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, N5015 Beaverbrook Ave., Spooner, WI 54801.

Last Update: Feb 14, 2021 2:34 pm CST