Peter Max Wigt

Passed away on June 27, 2026

Peter Max Wigt, 68, left this earthly world on June 27, 2026, surrounded by family who loved him very much.

Pete was born and raise in Modesto to Esther (Grubeck) and John W. Wigt Jr. He attended Westport Elementary School, Walter White Junior High, Mae Hensley Jr. High (first graduating class) and graduated from Ceres High School in 1976. He worked on the family dairy from the time he was nine years old, milking cows and whatever else was needed to be done. He played football in high school and was the coach of the girls’ Powderpuff team. He was involved in FFA.

Shortly after graduating, Pete enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served just under a year when his father was killed in the line of duty as a volunteer firefighter. At the age of 19, he returned home to run the dairy.

In the summer of 1980, he met the love of his life, Valli, and a year later they were married. He became a hoof trimmer (or bovine podiatrist as he liked to put it), running his own successful business until 2009. He helped out another hoof trimmer for many years, then went to work for the Turlock Mosquito Abatement. The last few years he worked for Skittone Almond Sheller.

Pete and Valli raised two sons and put them through college. He was a proud Papa to granddaughter Kylie. He was happy to live long enough to see her graduate from high school this year. Pete never knew a stranger. He talked to everyone, loved telling jokes, and had a laugh like no other. He was proud to be a Ceres Bulldog and looked forward to his 50th reunion this year.

Pete was diagnosed with CLL leukemia in January. He spent months getting infusions and was finally getting better. Then in early June, he took a turn for the worse. The cancer became more aggressive and took over his bone marrow.

Pete is survived by his beloved wife Valli; his sons, Gabe Lawson and Max Wigt (Jenny Wilson); granddaughter Kylie Wigt and bonus granddaughter Harleigh Wilson. He is survived by his brothers John W. Wigt III and Joe Wigt. He also leaves behind his aunts, uncles, in-laws, nieces, nephews and numerous cousins.

Services took place in early July and a private burial was held at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella. May his memory be eternal.

– Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Wednesday, August 5, 2026