Peter J. ‘Pete’ Hussmann

Peter Joseph “Pete” Hussmann, 55, of Newton died at his home in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014.

A celebration of life service for Pete will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. Following the service for Pete, the family will greet friends and celebrate Pete’s life at the Manhattan at 113 First Ave. E. in Newton.

Pete was born Dec. 30, 1958, in Waterloo. He graduated from Columbus High School in Waterloo. He received his bachelor of arts degree from UNI in Cedar Falls. Pete was well known in the Newton community, having been editor of the Newton Daily News for 20 years and also president of St. Nick’s Manhattan Christmas Club.

He moved to Newton in 1986, when he accepted a position as a reporter for the Newton Daily News. Three years later he was promoted to position of editor, where he remained until March 2007.

The following year, Pete started his online news source, “Newton Independent,” which covered happenings in and around Newton. Pete was also a charter member of the St. Nick’s Manhattan Christmas Club, serving the children of Jasper County for 25 years.

Pete was a life-long fan of the Chicago Cubs baseball team and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Pete is survived by his wife, Julie Bak; his sons, Zane, Noah and Corey; his sister Mary (Margaret) of Canton, N.Y.; and two brothers, Matt (Deb) and niece Natalie of Arlington, Va., and Ben (Kristin) and niece Katie of Evanston, Ill. Pete is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Bernadine (Elliott) Hussmann.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.pencefh.com.