In Memory
Richard Sigmund Petzke
January 24, 1934 - April 13, 2025
Richard Sigmund Petzke, 91, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and man of unwavering faith, passed at home peacefully on April 13, 2025. He entered eternal rest with the Lord he so deeply cherished throughout his life.
Born on January 24, 1934, to Sigmund and Mary (Putek) Petzke, Richard grew up in South Bend, where he developed the strong values, deep work ethic, and humble faith that would guide him for the rest of his days. He graduated from John Adams High School in 1952. He graduated from Acme School of Die Design Engineering in 1954 as a tool and die designer. He had a sense of purpose and duty that led him to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy starting in 1956. His time in the service shaped his disciplined and resilient character.
On May 17, 1958, he married Elaine (Hartz) Petzke at Lutheran Church Of Our Redeemer. The two were married for an extraordinary 66 years, building a life together grounded in love, mutual respect, shared devotion to family, faith and enduring commitment. Together they raised four children, and over the decades their home became a place of warmth, laughter, and love.
Richard took great pride in supporting and providing for his children. He led by example, teaching them the value of hard work, integrity, and kindness. He was engaged in their lives and enjoyed their successes. As a grandfather he loved watching them grow and offering stories, playful jokes and laughs.
One of Richard's activities he enjoyed was playing fast pitch softball. He was the pitcher for Ross Sports Store, which won the Mishawaka City Tournament in 1962. He also was an avid bicyclist and walker well into his later years. He and Elaine spent many cherished winters in Naples, Florida with the company of friends and family. He was a fan of Notre Dame and Chicago Bears football.
A man of unwavering Christian faith, Richard and Elaine were members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Sodus, Michigan. Richard's relationship with his Lord and Savior was the cornerstone of his life. Richard was also active in the church. His life reflected the love of Christ in countless quiet but powerful ways.
Family gatherings, vacations, and holidays were especially meaningful to Richard. He believed in the importance of these to create memories and honoring traditions. That will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered.
Though Richard may no longer walk among us, the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave was a life well-lived.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sigmund and Mary Petzke, and his sisters, Lillian "Ann" (Andre) Robert and Helen (Floyd) Fishburn.
Left to honor his legacy and cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Elaine; his children, Sheri (Gary) Reed, Garry (Deby) Petzke, Julie Petzke, Michele Miller (and special friend Joe), his grandchildren, Ryan Reed, Ross Reed, and Brittany (Joe) Riley-Schedler, and his great-grandchildren, Aiden and Angelica Riley-Schedler and a brother Robert "Bob" (Maureen) Petzke, and his many nieces and nephews.
The family is requesting a private visitation, service and burial at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola, IN. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, where Richard will be laid to rest with full military honors in recognition of his service to our nation.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to a veterans' organization or a charity of choice, in honor of Richard's memory.
The family wants to thank all those who assisted in Richard's care.
The Petzke family invites friends and loved ones to share memories, condolences, or words of comfort by visiting https://www.chapelhillmemorial.com.
4/17/2024 djb
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