Join us for the Rite II Holy Eucharist Service with The Very Reverend Brother Tyler C. Richards, OCS, at 9 a.m. at the Cathedral, or watch this service livestream via Zoom (instructions & link below) or on our Facebook page (to find us on Facebook type in @cathedralec).

There is a link embedded in the middle of the invitation. To use this link, you have to download the free "Zoom" app to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. If you have that app on your device, all you have to do is click the link on the email and you will automatically connect. (Be sure to allow the app to access your camera and microphone, if requested.

If you don't want to use the app, or are using a device that can't download the app, you can go to the website for Zoom: https://zoom.us On the upper right hand side of your screen, there will be a tab titled "Join a Meeting." Click on that tab and you will be prompted to enter a "Meeting ID or Personal Link Name." The "Meeting ID" can be found toward the bottom of the invitation. I've highlighted it in red to be easier to find. In the case of this meeting, the ID is: 924 746 7996. Just enter those digits without a space or dashes and click enter. From there, you'll be prompted to allow access to your camera/microphone.

If you don't have access to a smartphone/tablet/computer with a camera and microphone and want to join the meeting as a phone call, there is a number listed just above the Meeting ID that you can call. That will connect you to the meeting with audio only. Those numbers are in red in the invitation. For this meeting, the best number is: 1 312 626 6799

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click here to join the meeting https://zoom.us/j/9247467996

Meeting ID: 924 746 7996
Password: 814057

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Meeting ID: 924 746 7996
Password: 814057
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Pieter F. Graaskamp passed away at home on July 23, 2025 – surrounded by those he loved – after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Born Oct. 24, 1958, to Charles and Joanne Graaskamp on a San Diego Naval base, Pieter’s life was shaped early by the values of service, faith and community – principles passed down by his father and carried proudly throughout his life. He had a heart of gold and was a man of deep loyalty.

Pieter’s love of newspapers began as a paperboy and seemingly never left. He was proud to go on to become a fourth-generation publisher of a family-owned newspaper, eventually becoming president and publisher of the Eau Claire Press Company and general manager and circulation manager of The Country Today. In 2011, he served as president of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, a role he held with humility and honor.

A 1977 graduate of Memorial High School in Eau Claire, Pieter went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in economics from Ripon College and MBA from UW-Eau Claire. A voracious reader and lover of numbers, Pieter found joy in analyzing data, investing with like-minded friends regarded as “the investment group” and connecting with fellow leaders through The Executive Committee, a peer network for business owners and executives.

But Pieter’s proudest accomplishments were personal. He met his wife, Julie, at the Eau Claire Press Company and, from the start, she was his partner in every sense – his greatest companion, his steady source of joy and the person with whom he built a beautiful life. They married on Aug. 5, 1989, and, together, raised two children – Nathan and Anna – who were his pride and joy. He never missed a chance to cheer them on at their many sporting events or help them with a home improvement project. Over the years, Pieter and Julie were blessed with the opportunity to share countless experiences with friends and family, and they never took a moment for granted.

Pieter – a lifelong Chicago Bears and Cubs fan despite living in enemy Brewers and Packers territory – also loved the outdoors. Whether kayaking with Julie, fishing with his friend, Jim, sailing with his dad or golfing with “the golf group” at the cheapest course they could find, he was happiest outside. He was a longtime member of the Woodland Owners Association, cherished time at the family cottage on Long Lake and held fond memories of camping on the Chippewa Flowage. He loved to sit around campfires and had his dad’s “pyro bug,” as they called it – relishing both the warmth of a good fire and the thrill of a big burn pile. Two Harbors, Minn., was a favorite getaway, and he was thrilled to have recently purchased a new piece of waterfront property in Hayward.

Pieter was a man of deep faith, attending St. Raymond of Penafort Parish every Sunday and holiday. He believed in Heaven with certainty, and those who loved him take comfort knowing he’s there now – waiting patiently for the rest of us to join him.

Pieter fiercely believed in giving back, and once he was involved with something, he wouldn’t let it go. He served on the L.E. Phillips Senior Center board for almost 40 years. He also generously gave time to the Cleghorn Lions, Chippewa Valley Museum Board and Sacred Heart Hospital Advisory Board and was a consistent blood donor – giving every eight weeks and ultimately donating an incredible 11.3 gallons over his lifetime.

Pieter’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary caregivers who walked alongside them throughout this journey. The nurses on the third and fifth floors of Mayo Hospital (especially Beth, Carly and Danelle and Katelyn!), along with nurse practitioner Kelley Gaedtke-Farber, offered not only expert care but also genuine compassion. Dr. Alex Beuning provided steady guidance and support, and the Mayo Hospice team brought comfort and peace when it was needed most. A special thank-you goes to Kelley, whose kindness went above and beyond by answering every call – even on the Fourth of July – and never once hesitating to be there when Pieter needed her.

Deeply missed and forever remembered, Pieter is survived by his wife of nearly 36 years, Julie Schmidt Graaskamp; two children, Nathan (Melanie) and Anna Graaskamp; siblings Carolyn (Mike) Carlson and Dan (Mary) Graaskamp; father- and mother-in-law Loren and Judy Schmidt; brothers- and sisters-in-law Kathy (Mike) Zwiefelhofer; Mary (Rick) Ingebretson; Roxy Schmidt; John (Jennifer) Schmidt; nieces and nephews Sara, Emily, Catie, Charley, Sam, Molly, Linsey, Olivia, Nick, Sean, Will, Tyler and Kaycee; and many close friends. Pieter was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Joanne Graaskamp.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, at St. Raymond of Penafort Catholic Church in Fall Creek, with interment to follow at Holy Guardian Angels Cemetery in Brackett. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at Hulke Family Funeral Home in Eau Claire, concluding with a 7 p.m. prayer service. There will be no visitation at the church on Friday morning.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Pieter’s name to the L.E. Phillips Senior Center, Chippewa Valley Museum, Cleghorn Lions Club, or the Chippewa Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross – organizations close to Pieter’s heart and reflective of his lifelong commitment to community service.