Peter Carl Lillie Jr.

Lt. Col. (retired) Peter Carl Lillie Jr., 58, of Navarre, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 8, 2024, after a 20-month fight with glioblastoma.

Pete, the son of Peter C. Lillie Sr. and George-Ann Lillie, was born on Aug. 29, 1965, in Tacoma, Washington. Pete graduated from Eden Prairie High School in 1983 and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. Years later, he continued his education at TUI University, achieving a master’s in business administration with an emphasis on finance.

Pete had a great love for the outdoors as he was an avid hunter and fisherman. Many days were spent on lakes boating, ice fishing, tubing, and water skiing with friends and family. Pete enjoyed rooting for all Minnesota sports teams. There are many fond memories of traveling with his wife and four daughters. He proudly supported his girls’ achievements and activities while repping their college apparel.

He was a veteran of the Army and National Guard for 28 years. Pete served one tour in Iraq as the commander of Battery D, 216th Air Defense Artillery, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. He received a Bronze Star Medal for his service in Iraq. Pete was the chief financial officer for the Army Corps of Engineers. In 2018, he was named Financial Manager of the Year.

Pete is survived by his wife of 29 years, Tracie Lillie (Schweich); daughters, Erika, Tori, Brooke, and Nicole; mother, George-Ann; sisters, Ann (Mike) Dalton and Jenny Lillie Clymer; and by other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Peter C. Lillie Sr. 

A celebration of life will be held at the Chanhassen American Legion, 290 Lake Drive East, on April 28 from 2 to 5 p.m., with a private burial to follow at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Glioblastoma Foundation, the American Brain Tumor Association, or to the donor’s choice in memory of Pete.