Laverne "Pete" Wise

Laverne Ray Wise, who was commonly known as "Pete", entered into rest on December 26, 2010. He was surrounded by his loving family at Enloe Hospital when he lost his battle with cancer. Pete was just one week shy of his 73rd birthday. Pete was one of five children born to Richard and Deva Wise on January 3, 1938 in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was raised in Klamath Falls, Oregon and later left to enlist in the United States Navy at age 17. For twenty five years, Pete worked as a welder for Rexnord in Chico. Pete was an avid Nascar fan and loved old western movies. Pete was preceded in death by both his father, mother, and his brother, Ron "Midge" Wise. He is survived by his wife, Paula of 52 years. All three of his children and their spouses, Michelle and Larry Murgia of Chico, Jeff and Shauna Wise of Ronan, Montana, and Traci and Randy Rick of Quincy, CA. Grandchildren include Amber (husband Michael) of Chico, Jordan Wise of San Luis Obispo, Dustin and Kevan Murgia of Chico, and Brady, Jacob, and Hayden Rick of Quincy, CA. His only great-grandchild, Blake Thomas Gentry. Siblings include his brother, Don of Newberg, Oregon; his sister's, Shirley of Roseberg, Oregon and Sherry of Battle Mountain, Nevada; and several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Chico Mobile Country Club (1901 Dayton Road in Chico). The family would like to express their gratitude for to the wonderful and caring Nursing and Physician staff at Enloe Hospital for their excellent care throughout the years. Special thanks also goes out to Dr. Pete Magnusson, Dr. Michael Ricci, and Dr. Valley Gilbert. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Enloe Century Project.