Peter Lantz Pastika

Peter Lantz Pastika, age 76, a life-time resident of Babbitt, went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 30, 2024, with his wife, Diane, at his side.

Pete was born in Cloquet, Minnesota, on July 29, 1948, to Joe and Lois (Hella) Pastika and had three younger siblings who thought he was the type of big brother everyone should have. The family moved to Babbitt when Pete was five years old.

Pete graduated from JFK High School in 1966. On November 2, 1968, Pete married his high school sweetheart, Diane Pickar. Pete went on to attend the University of Minnesota School of Mines, graduating in 1970.

The family was blessed with three children: Kerri, Stacey, and Joe. Pete’s first job was at Kaiser Steel in Eagle Mountain, California. After five years he returned to Minnesota to work for Reserve Mining Company in Silver Bay helping maintain the tailings basin and then moved to Babbitt in 1989 to work for Northshore Mining. Another perk of the move back to Babbitt was living in a beautiful home on Birch Lake. After his mining career, Pete served as the City Administrator in Babbitt.

Pete had many hobbies. He collected rocks from all over the world and displayed them in specially built cabinets. Living on the lake allowed Pete to fish frequently. He also loved to hunt and cross-country ski with his favorite lab, Allie. As an avid piano player, Pete could play any song he heard with his own embellishments. Another of his passions was nature photography specializing in capturing the northern lights. He simply had to walk down the steps to their beach to get the perfect vantage point for his stunning photos. Papa had a deep love for his grandchildren and enjoyed teasing them. After retirement, Pete took up new hobbies of baking delicious breads and experimenting with smoked meats on his Big Green Egg.

Peter is survived by his wife of 56 years, Diane Kay Pastika; three children: Kerri (Mark) Rose, Stacey Hodkeiwicz, and Joe Pastika; six grandchildren: Mikayla (Tyler) Manthe, Julia, Joshua, and Rebekah Hodkiewicz, and Anna and Erik Rose; one great-granddaughter, Eliana Manthe; two sisters, Susan Pastika, and Jana Pastika; and brother, Tim (Lisa) Pastika.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Pete's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the Babbitt Evangelical Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Pastor Christina Forsythe will be officiating. Inurnment at Argo Cemetery will occur at a later date.