Richard L. “Rick” Petrie

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Richard L. “Rick” Petrie, 69. Rick passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Froedtert Hospital, surrounded by his loving wife and three sons.

Rick was born on February 7, 1955, in Fond du Lac, the son of (late) Harold and Alice (Buechel) Petrie. He was a proud graduate of St. Mary’s Springs High School class of 1973, where he excelled in Cross Country and Track. Rick was a two-time state champion distance runner breaking the state 2-mile record. He was inducted into the Springs Athletic Hall of Fame as an individual athlete in 2018 and with his Cross County Team in October 2024. On May 27, 1978, he married the love of his life Therese (Meyer) Petrie. They celebrated 46 great years together until his untimely passing.

Like his father, Rick had an unparalleled work ethic and act of kindness towards everyone who knew him. His outgoing personality and quick wit were always on display. He was employed by Fives Giddings & Lewis (G&L), starting on July 9, 1973, until his death. When he was not at G&L, he also enjoyed selling Christmas trees at A&W Restaurant and working at the Fond du Lac County Fair – both for over 20 years. He made it a point to use his vacation to work those other jobs.

Rick was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. In his spare time, he enjoyed deer hunting, picking hickory nuts, picking stones at his nephew’s farm, being part of the chain gang for Springs football games, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Rick is survived by his wife Therese, and three sons: Tim (Kate) and their children Logan and Landon, Kurt, and Ryan (Gina) and their children Ethan and one expected in January. He is further survived by his mother, siblings; Sandy O’Loughlin, Tom (Julie) Petrie, Deb (Steve) Schumacher, Laurie (Jim) Kampa, Chris Jones, and Kathy Petrie; along with his brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law; Rita Roehrig, David (Bea) Meyer, Jane (Jim) Schmitz, Rosie (Dave) Kreisman, and Joe (LuAnn) Meyer; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, father & mother-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephew, other relatives, and friends.

Family and friends may visit with Rick’s family on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Holy Family Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 200 South Peters Ave from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated following the visitation at 11:00 am. Cremation has taken place. 

Per Rick’s wishes, please no flowers, and a memorial will be established in his name at a later date.

Online condolences can be shared at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.