Ralph L. Petrik

Ralph Petrik, 81 of Sioux City, passed away Wednesday, September, 18 2019 at a local hospital.  A funeral mass will be held Saturday, September 21 at 10:30 AM at Church of the Nativity.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of service.  Burial will be at Graceland Park Cemetery.  Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel is handling the arrangements.  Online condolences may be made to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Ralph was born on February 12, 1938 in Tyndall, South Dakota to Edward and Lillian (Faltin) Petrik.  He graduated from Tabor High School in 1956, where he played football and was in band.  Ralph was also in Boy Scouts and earned the honor of Eagle Scout in High School.  He went on to attend Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, SD where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Teaching / Music in 1960.  Ralph then went on to receive his Masters from The University of South Dakota, Vermillion.  During and after college he was a member of the Army National Guard in Springfield, SD.  He was called up for duty in 1962 during the Cuban missile crisis but never saw action.

He was united in marriage to Judy Grubel on May 24, 1985 at Nativity church in Sioux City.  Ralph started work in his parents store where he was a jack of all trades until he finished high school.  His professional life started as a band instructor in Crofton, NE.  He then became the music / band instructor for Sergeant Bluff Schools where he taught for many years.  Ralph then moved into a sales career with Sioux City Stationary and remained in the Stationary business until he retired.  During his retirement, he worked as a substitute teacher for schools across Siouxland.  Ralph’s passion and skill as an actor was well known and he was involved in the Sioux City Community Theater for over 40 years.  He loved music and was in several bands, including the 1890s Band where he played the trumpet for over 50 years.  He also was a member of the Siouxland All American Band for several years.  Ralph was very involved in Church of the Nativity where he was a member for most of his life.

Ralph enjoyed attending all of his children and grandchildren’s events which included many hockey, football, baseball games and various musical events.

Ralph enjoyed traveling with family around the world.  Behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War, all over Europe and North America and of course to Madsen’s at Blanche Lake where he loved time with family and the early morning solitude of the lake.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife Judy Petrik, Sioux City; sons: Craig (Michele) Patrick, Hudson, WI, Scott (Vivian) Patrick Sergeant Bluff, IA son in law: Jeff Greig, Overland Park Kansas:   9 grandchildren: Mitch, Garrett, Leah, Justine, Jessica, Collin, Cara, Caiden and Cameron.  Sister in Laws Alice and Wilma Petrik : Maxine Grubel and Joanne Rowe;Nephews: Tony (Lori), Greg (Barb), Jeff (Sally) Petrik, Brad (Joan) and Dan (Sherri) Rowe; Nieces: Glenda (Jeff) Davis. Georgia (Eric) Grau, Lisa (Mike) Chesher, Kim (Troy) Dake, Jane (Brian) Anderson, Amy Petrik, Diane (Gene) Nelson, Peggy ( Todd) Koan and Mary ( Blaine) Beilke.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Virgil and Edward Petrik; brother-i-law Henry Grubel; and daughter, Jill Greig.

Memorials may be sent to the Sioux City Community Theater in Ralph’s name.