Dear Petricka Family:

My Mom was Mariella Havel Powers, Rosalia’s sister, and I am Jerry’s cousin. We did not see one another often, but I had heard about Jerry’s cancer from his brothers, Russ and Tom. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. I wish all of you the best. You have my deepest sympathy in this difficult time.

Mary Ellen Landwehr 

Dear Petricka Family:

I was saddened to learn that Gerry had passed away. He and I worked together at "The IBM" and I found him to be fun, smart and somewhat enigmatic!

I did not realize that he was an ardent fisherman!

My memories of Gerry are all pleasant and I know you will miss him greatly.

Godspeed to you in the days and weeks ahead.

Fondly:

Tom Stelter

God’s peace and comfort to you, Jean, and your entire family. Our paths crossed many times over the past 40+ years, church activities, kids going through Lourdes, IBM coworker, playing sports, ... All with a great appreciation of you Jean and Jerry. 

Becky and I join the MANY others in celebrating Jerry’s life.

 I (Jim) am writing this recalling especially our “sports encounters,” but also a special experience that Jerry and I shared back in the early 1990’s when Jerry was my manager at the IBM Marketing Support Center in the “white buildings.”

 I was one of the unlucky Rochester IBMers on site at a New Jersey Hospital that was having serious software issues - a “Crit Sit.” During the 7+ days I was there Jerry became my manager. He quickly determined I needed to be “rescued,” - found Lab folks to take over, and got me back to Rochester. I slept for 2 days!

Celebrating a good life; recalling a good life can help us all as we continue on.

Jim Cook

Jean and family,

I am saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing.  Hold onto all the wonderful memories you have.  Sending my deepest sympathies.

Tara Sterling Nelson

To the Jerry Petricka family,

My wife, Sharon, extend our sympathy to your family.  I hadn't seen Jerry for some time and did not know he had been sick.  

Even though we both worked at IBM, I became friends with Jerry through touch football.  It began when I played against him in the IBM league and seeing how a good player he was, I recruited him to play with our downtown touch football team.  That began 20 plus years of competitive football.  Our team was successful, winning the top Rochester league and playoffs many times and also competing in the state touch football playoffs which resulted in winning a number of state championships. 

We had a number of good players, led by Jerry.  He was our flanker, and he played that receiving position the whole 20+ years.  WE started every game with the same play, a quick pass to Jerry on the line and letting him run with it.  Jerry was fast, very shifty, and had the uncommon knack of following his blockers and avoiding the defenders.  The play ALWAYS worked and it was fun to watch him run it.

While our roster changed a lot over the years, Jerry was our rock.  I don't ever recall him missing a game, whether it was a local game or a state tournament.  He was always there, just a great competitor and team player.  I don't ever remember him saying a bad word to anyone, his opponent or a teammate.

I always thought it was a privilege, playing with Jerry.  Rest in peace Jerry.

Rod 

I played with Jerry back in the early '60's. I remember him as a tough little defensive back and a very sure tackler. I always envied his great technique.

Condolences , thoughts and prayers to his wife and family. 

Gerald Gruber

Jean and family,

I'm very sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. He was a good friend.

We first met when Jerry and I were cubicle mates at IBM in the 60s. He was fun to be around and was always generous with a positive outlook on life.

Our families had many good times together. Jerry and I teamed up to ride in the MSTRAM bike ride across MN for several years. Seems like he was always riding into the wind.

Our coupes bridge club was always a happy social gathering. Later when visiting Rochester, Jerry always insisted we ride the local trails and talk about the old times.

Jerry will be missed.

Jim Froemke

To Rob & Family,

.  I sincerely feel for your loss.  Your dad was a great, great guy!!!  Always enjoyed being around him.  Growing up I have lots of memories of him.  Whether it was fishing trips, soccer & football games he was always there.  Truly a stand up guy.  Again I my prayers are with you all.

Rob when you can please give me a call as we have lost contact. 

Tony Macke

218-355-8067

Jean & family,

So sorry to hear of Jerry's passing.  He was such a kind & generous soul.

Carole shared many wonderful stories of all the great things he did for her & others.

Keep the memories alive & stay strong for each other during this difficult time.

Blessings & Peace to you all !!

I was so saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing as I didn’t know he had been ill.  My heart goes out to you all as you mourn the loss of your husband and father.  Jerry was a kind and friendly man.  I remember all of the Petrickas, when we were all much younger, growing up on 4th Avenue NW!  In my earlier years at IBM I also remember seeing Jerry’s friendly face in the halls and/or cafeteria.  I always remember him being friendly, having a smile on his face, and being very involved with all of the kids in their activities.  He will be missed.  Thinking of you all during this difficult time.  Sincerely, Stacy (Lewis) Haugen

My husband Greg and I joined Pax Christi in 1985, and I remember Jerry and Jean Petricka being "Saturday mass people" who encouraged us as young parents.  And it was always a treat to sit in front of them, because Jerry had a great singing voice, and encouraged us with his enthusiasm.  Don't remember the year, but when Pax replaced the Gather books, and parishioners were encouraged to take one of the old ones home, the one we ended up with had a memorial nameplate in the front that said "donated in memory of Rosalia Petricka".  Knowing Jerry might want it, we called him up, and he came to our house that day, exchanging it for the one he took home.  We remember how warmly and graciously he thanked us, but to anyone who knew Jerry, that's just who he was.  We rejoice that his earthly suffering is at an end, but know how much he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.  Eternal rest to him, and prayers to strengthen all who are still on this side of heaven.  Jerry is gone, but never forgotten.  Take care.

Jean and family, so sorry to read of Jerry's death.  He fought the good fight and will be welcomed by his God and other family members, I know that Carole will be there to greet him.  Prayers for him and for all of you.

It is with deep sadness I learned of the passing of "Mr. Petricka". I held too much respect for him to call him "Jerry". Mrs. Petricka, Michelle, Lisa, Rob and Gina, my sincerest condolences and heartfelt prayers for Peace and Comfort. God Speed, Mr. Petricka. ~Jon Herber

Dear Jean!!  We are so saddened to learn of Jerry's passing.  Our hearts go out to you and the kids.  We have such fond memories of so many year at our Pax Pioneer Friday nights with you guys. Those were indeed the good old days. Jerry was always full of such fun and always smiling. May God be with you and the kids and grandkids at this sorrowful time.  

Our deepest sympathy,

Tom and Connie

We have so many wonderful memories of our family times together.  Jerry was such a great guy full of love of life and compassion for other people.  He will be missed by many!  Your family is in our thoughts and prayers as it has been over the last year??.   Love, Joan

Joining your wonderful family and friends at this time of grief.  Sending Prayers, support, and sympathy to you. God love.

I am very sorry for your loss. I have fond childhood memories of Jerry and your family visiting our cabin in Alexandria when I was young. I recall that he seemed to have a “zest” for life and this was infectious to those around him. Thoughts and prayers to your family.

Mark and Sara Froemke

We can only imagine your sorrow with the loss of a man you so clearly adored. Cherish the memories and know how proud he was of the family that he helped create.  We are so very sorry for your loss.

Jay, Lori and Nicole

Jerry set the standard on how to live one’s life. He truly displayed what compassion is as well as sharing his many talents with all sorts of people. Jean and Jerry were a great team. Stay strong Jean.  Paul Klinefelter

Jean:  So sorry to hear about Jerry leaving us.  He was a great guy and a class act. My condolences,

best wishes and prayers to your family.

I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you during this time of sorrow. My deepest sympathy to the whole family.

Sincere sympathy to Jean and her family. Jerry was always “The Nice Guy”. Blessed to know him. Prayers for all of you.

Mary Jo

We are so sorry for your loss. For whatever it is worth, Jerry was one of the best  and rfinest persons I have ever met.

I remember so well playing softball with Jerry for the old Office Bar. Then for a few seasons I officialated his touch football games down at soldiers field. I never heard him complain on any call on any sport. His sportsmanship was equal to his personality......perfect!

I am so glad to have had the time to know him and play sports with him. I'm sure he will be surely missed. Sincerely, Bill.

So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jean 

So sorry to hear about Jerry. May God comfort you and your family during this time.

With deepest sympathy,

Betty and Bill

Mrs. Petrick, Michelle, Lisa, Rob & Gina and family...

My condolences to you all.  I'm am saddened to hear this.  I have nothing but fond memories of Mr. Petrika from the neighborhood growing up.  I can still picture him mowing the lawn or working in the garden while we played outside.  I can still remember him being patient with us as we ran through your yard or in and out of the garden to get balls... Such a class act...

Again, my condolences...

Matt Murphy

Jean and family, so saddened to hear of Jerry's passing.  Thinking of all of you with love.  God bless and keep you and hold you in his arms.

Jean and Family,

Jerry was such a huge part of our Habitat family for many years, and the impact he made on so many lives is immeasurable.  He was an example for all of us on how to do good, work hard, and lift up others.  He always seemed like he could accomplish anything, and I hope you are truly proud of the life he lived, as I am.

So sorry for your loss.  You all are in my prayers.  May God comfort you with the happiest of memories.

Love to you...

Mary and I send our sincere condolences to Jean and the family. As a Northfielder I graduated 2 years after Jerry and knew him well as a great athlete,

but most of all as a great person. This is a shock to us. We were out of town for 2 months and were unaware of his failing health. As an IBM'er

and members of Pax Christi Church, I would occasionally see him and have a conversation. He was always very positive. Rochester has lost

a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, friend, and volunteer. Rest in peace Jerry.

Mick Lindberg

Dear Jean,

My first memory of the Petricka kids was in 1957. John (the big brother, now my husband of 60 years) invited me to dinner at 401 Elm St. Kids were having the most fun I’d ever seen. Of course, the dinner was delicious, with Rosalia’s fabulous chocolate cake for dessert. It was a happy place to be. We have so many great memories of all the times we all  got together there and at our homes over the years. Memories of all the years will never be forgotten. Jerry was always surrounded by love. All our love to you and the kids and grandkids.

Sandra❤️

Mrs. Patricka and family.  

My deepest sympathy to you and your family.  From early hockey mornings as a kid, to just a great family friend, speaks to his kindness and impact over time.

Saying a few extra prayers for you.  

Mike Ott

Jean and family

Our deepest sympathy to all of you on the loss of Your wonderful husband, dad and grandpa.  We remember him fondly as a great neighbor from our days in the neighborhood.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bob and Pat Murphy

Mrs. Petricka and family we are so sorry to hear that Jerry passed away. He taught me a lot during the few years we worked together... not only mudding walls, carpentry but also good humor. The entire crew at Habitat have been missing him this past year. We lost a good friend. We offer our deepest sympathy and good courage to you all.

Louis and Marie Letendre

Jean & Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.  

Jerry was always a special friend, one that you could share a story or a issue with -- and always have a friend listening.  Whether it was sharing time gardening in your back yard -- going on a cruise -- playing 500, Jerry always had a smile and an upbeat look on life.  

While we have been gone from Rochester for quite a few years, the memories of times together remain strong.  May your memories be warm and strong and give you strength always.  

To the Petricka family,

The DeHaan family would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to you all. Jerry was a man of grace, love and integrity. One of the best men we ever knew. I have many memories from when I was a kid of us singing, laughing and playing games together. Hank and I will always remember the last time we spent with Jerry and Jean playing euchre. We love him and he will greatly be missed. Love and prayers to you all. 

My heart goes out to you and your family. He was a lucky man to have such an incredible life and family. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. 

May God be with your family to bring strength to each of you in the midst of this extremely difficult time. Our deepest condolences. ~The Therwanger family

Our hearts are aching for all of you during this sad time.  We pray that you each feel the love of God and His peace as you mourn.  You are loved.  You are supported.  You’re all being prayed for so very often.  Sending our sincerest condolences.

I’m so sorry for your loss, I am praying for your whole family. Love you all.

Jean and family, 

My sincerest condolence to you. Jerry was a wonderful family man who I will remember with such fondness. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. 

Penny (Ewert) Fritsch 

My Uncle Jerry was one of the kindest people you could know. He could always find the fish and treated everyone with respect. God bless you Jerry. Rest in peace. 

We are so very sorry for your loss, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Jim, Erika, Jack and Ally

Jean and family, I am very sorry for your loss. I am blessed to have known Jerry. Foremost, as a friend. So many connections...IBM, church, our 500 card club, and as a partner in Condo 500. One of the nicest gentlemen I’ve known.

Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Blessings and love, Bill

Sincere sympathy goes out to Jerry's family- Hugs & prayers goes out to Jean & her family- It has been a pleasure getting to know you thru the "Wentink's"

Helen

My heartfelt condolences to the whole family.  Feel so lucky to have known him.