Denise E. Pitzo

Denise E. Pitzo (68), passed away on Sept. 30, 2021 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Tomahawk.

Denise was born December 6, 1952 in Milwaukee, the daughter of Joseph and Joan Pitzo and grew up in Menomonee Falls, WI. She attended Menomonee Falls H.S. and Mount Mary College where she received a degree in Culinary Arts. She was owner/Chef at Polecat and Lace Restaurant in Minocqua for 42 years.

She is survived by one brother Mike (Jan) Pitzo of Minocqua and one sister, Cheryl Pizzoferrato, of Menomonee Falls. She is also survived by aunts Ruth Ohnmacht, Dolores Wrobbel, Phyllis Wrobbel and Anna Pitzo as well as two uncles, Jim (Joan) Wrobbel and Tony Pitzo. Survivors also include one niece, Jennifer (Ed) Johnson of Hudson, WI, and nephews Joe (Amanda) Pitzo of Brookfield, and John-Michael (Jennifer) of Madison. She had 13 grand nieces and nephews.

Denise loved creating and cooking for Polecat patrons, family and friends. When she wasn’t searching for recipes or cooking, she enjoyed her quiet time with her many dogs over the years.
She loved water sports, the Green Bay Packers and watching the beautiful sunsets on Lake Tomahawk.

Memorial Gathering for Denise will be held on Monday, October 11th at Schmidt-Bartelt Funeral Home in Menomonee Falls, WI from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with Funeral Services at 11:00 am and luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers she requested that donations be made to Hospice, the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation or to Nicolet College’s Education Foundation.

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com

Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.