Peter J. Fuerst, 73, of Irvine, CA passed away on July 14, 2015 at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, surrounded by his loving family. Peter was a devoted and loyal man to his family and friends. Peter grew up in Dubuque, Iowa and graduated from Wahlert High School in 1960. He entered the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, CA where he met and married his wife, Helen in 1964. Peter worked in the Electronics and Computer Industry for over 35 years before owning his own computer business for over 13 years.

Peter enjoyed spending time with his wife Helen, his two daughters, Monica and Lisa and six grandchildren. Peter was a proud member of St. Thomas More Parish and the Knights of Columbus. He was always very proud to be a military veteran.

Peter was predeceased by his parent’s, Andrew H. and F. Esther Fuerst. His mother died when he was 12 years old. Several years later, Peter was blessed when his father married his step-mother, Evelyn J. Wagner, who has also passed. Also predeceased was his father-in-law, James Poulos, and sister-in-law, Angela (Poulos) Schnetzler.

Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Helen, his two daughters, Monica (David) Finkelstein and grandchildren, Matthew, Zachary, Gabrielle of Laguna Beach, and Lisa (Bill) Brosnan and grandchildren, Ashlyn, Ryan, Justin of Rancho Santa Margarita, along with his brother, Paul, Dubuque, IA.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, July 22 from 7-9 pm at O’Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills. A funeral mass will be held 2 pm on Thursday, July 23rd at St. Thomas More Church in Irvine followed by military honors; reception to follow at the church.

A private family ceremony at Ascension Cemetery with the playing of “Taps” will take place on Monday, July 27, 2015.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Peter’s name may be made to St. Thomas More Catholic Church New Building Fund.