Donald Peter Petricka, 79

Donald Peter Petricka

 February 22, 1945 - September 15, 2024 (79 Years)

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Donald Peter Petricka, on  Sunday, September 15. He leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and countless cherished  memories.

Born on February 22, 1945, to Christina and James Benjamin Petricka in Montgomery, MN, Donald was the youngest sibling to his older sister Genevieve, and older brother Mahlon.

Donald graduated from Montgomery High School in 1963 and was a member of the Army National Guard from 1963 to 1971 as a PFC-03 Private First Class. He then went on to achieve a degree from the Dunwoody Institute in HVAC installation. Donald was a self-taught and self-employed Master Plumber for 49 years, initially working for Ronald Novotny Plumbing in Montgomery, MN, later as a Master Plumber for Honeywell in Minneapolis, MN, and proud owner of Petricka Plumbing and Heating in New Prague, MN, for many decades. He was a member of the American Legion Post #79, American Legion Post #435, Twin Lakes Sportsman's Club, Minnesota Plumbers Association, Teamsters Union, NRA, Ahlman’s Gun Club, Caribou Gun Club, Minneapolis Gun Club, and various long-range rifle clubs. Donald, a man of service, was a volunteer policeman for the City of Montgomery and a LeSueur County storm chaser.

He was a master of the outdoors and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of hunting, fishing, marksmanship, wood cutting, and maple syrup production with family and friends. Donald was an active sportsman who received multiple awards for his achievements in archery, bowling, trap shooting, rifle shooting, softball, and track and field, including a conference record. His boundless desire for knowledge led him to a myriad of inventions, multiple patents, and numerous technological improvements. His love of animals knew no bounds - he owned multiple dogs, cats, fish, pigeons, pheasants, rabbits, birds, and even a skunk.

Donald married his wife JoAnn (Pomije) on February 27th, 1965 at St. Wenceslaus Church in New Prague, MN. Together they enjoyed nearly sixty years of marriage. He was a devoted father to his seven children, Vicki (Mike) Towey, Bryan, Jeff, Michele (Todd) Gregor, Deb (Fritz) Shimota, Kelly (Brent) Jones, and Meghan (Christopher) Bonfiglio, who forever will be treasured. As a father, Donald was a pillar of perpetual strength and support, a source of unwavering guidance - always there to lend a listening ear or offer a helping hand.

Donald leaves a legacy through his nine grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren. He adored each and every one of them, and his love will forever live on in their hearts.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents James and Christina, brother Mahlon, and sister Genevieve. We will forever remember Donald as a humble, loving father, a devoted husband, a dedicated worker, and a fount of endless wisdom. May he find eternal peace, and may his memory continue to bring comfort and strength to all who knew and loved him.

Please join us in honoring the life of Donald Peter Petricka as we gather to celebrate his remarkable journey and bid him a heartfelt farewell. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m.,  Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery, MN. Visitation will be held at the church before the service from 8:00-10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Montgomery, MN. A luncheon will be provided following the service at  American Legion Post #79. Schoenbauer Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

 Rest in peace, dear Dad. You will be deeply missed.