Peter C. Pisk, 98

Peter Charles Pisk, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and respected chiropractic physician, passed away at the Montana Veterans’ Home in Columbia Falls on Feb. 6, 2024. He was 98 years young.

He was born to hard working Polish immigrant parents, Katie and Joseph Pisk, on the family homestead northwest of Fallon, on June 30, 1925. He was the fifth child born out of seven. Growing up on the farm, Peter attended the local rural elementary school, when it was time for high school, Peter boarded in Glendive, and returned home on weekends to help with the family farm. His schooling was interrupted by WWII.      

In February of 1944, Peter was drafted into the 383rd infantry 96th division of the Army, “The Deadeyes.” He served on Okinawa and Leyte Island, achieving the rank of staff sergeant. He was awarded the Philippine Liberation Medal with two bronze service stars, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the Bronze Service Arrowhead, the Victory Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Peter received an honorable discharge on Dec. 30, 1945.

Returning to Fallon, and marrying his high school sweetheart and of love of his life, Ella Mae Chupp on April 11, 1946. Peter worked at the pumping plant on the Yellowstone River near Fallon. Subsequently a back injury caused Peter to seek chiropractic treatment from a physician in Glendive, leading to the beginning of his lifelong career.

Peter, Ella Mae, and their 2-year-old daughter moved to Portland, Oregon. He attended Western States Chiropractic College. Upon graduating chiropractic school the family set out to look for a place to set up practice landing in Kalispell. 

He opened his practice in October of 1953. With Ella Mae by his side, they operated Pisk Chiropractic for 38 years until his retirement. No one in need of his care was ever turned away. Peter’s career choice has led to other chiropractors in the family, including his son, and grandsons. That legacy will endure many generations.

During their years Pete and Ella Mae loved to go out dancing with other couples (usually at the Elks or the Dixie Inn), or playing pinochle with friends. Dirty marbles, and Shanghai rummy were the games of choice at the cabin on Bitterroot Lake. That was his happy place enjoying family, friends, and relatives. He cherished his family, along with other interests including hunting, fishing, and summer vacations. Always there to lend a helping hand. 

Pete took care of Ella Mae during difficult times and upon her passing he forged ahead. His house was immaculate, shirts, jeans, ironed and pressed. His yard was beautiful and vehicles maintained, always had a project. But he hated cooking, so The Sizzler became his favorite place for dinner. 

In the fall of 2015, he realized he could no longer live alone, refusing to be a burden to his children, he decided to move to The Montana Veterans’ Home where surrounded by family and friends he lived out the rest of his days.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, brothers, and his beloved wife, Ella Mae of 67 years. 

He is survived by his children, Peggy Lake (David), Pam Warburton (Rick), Chuck Pisk (Jeannette), Greg Pisk (Julie), and Kelly Nesten (John Moore); grandchildren, Matthew Lake (Janice), Andrew Lake, Craig Lake (Kat), Lynsey Dunkin, Tyler Warburton (Kayla), Mallory Levengood (Chris), Jackson Pisk (Paige), Truman Pisk (Greta), Kordell Pisk, Adam Pisk (Christyne), Bailey Riso (Luke), Riley Pisk (Kylee), Spencer Pisk (Kenadie), Calen Nesten, and Kelsey Nesten; and 21 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. 

Peter’s family would like to thank the wonderful, caring staff at the Montana Veterans’ Home. Having never lost his sense of humor, he loved dishing out his good-natured teasing of the staff (with that smirky smile on his face), and especially enjoyed it when they dished it right back at him, in the form of breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with an afternoon milkshake. He was a man of integrity, faith, a great husband, dad, and friend. He will truly be missed. 

A Rosary will be held at 5 p.m. on Feb. 23, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Feb. 24, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, with burial to  immediately follow at Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Reception information will be announced after the service.

Memorials may be made in honor of Peter to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Make a Wish Foundation (Montana), or the Northwest Veterans’ Pantry.

Arrangements are under the care of Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.