Thomas Joseph Petrocik

Tom was the second of seven children born to John and Marian (Rustenhoven) Petrocik in Marquette, on March 6, 1946.

Tom is survived by Renae (Kratz), his lifelong love and wife of over fifty-five years; his three children: Michele (Jeff) Kontio, Jacklyn (Kevin) Royea, and Thomas (Brandi) Petrocik, who blessed them with eight grandchildren: Jeffrey Kontio, Jared Kontio (Leah Dompierre), Morgan (Jake) Kari, Mitchell Royea, Lydia (Cody) Kuliu, Cooper Petrocik, Spencer Petrocik, and Isaac Petrocik; brother-in-law, Dennis (Kathy) Kratz; sisters-in-law, Patti (Doug) LaFond and Lori (Dan) Skytta; as well as, several nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his siblings: John (Mary Ann) Petrocik, James Petrocik, Eileen Fosterling, Rose Ann Tasson, Michael (Janice) Petrocik and Jane Petrocik.

Tom was a member of Bishop Baraga, Class of 1964. One of his fondest high school memories was being a Pontifical Server for Bishop Thomas Noa.

Drafted in 1965, he served with the 4th Infantry Division of US Army in Vietnam’s Central Highlands as an infantryman. He returned to work as a mechanic in 1967 while attending NMU part time. The starter home that he and Renae bought in the early 1970s on Water St. in Negaunee became their lifelong home. In 1974, Tom began his employment with the Department of Corrections in Marquette, MI. He retired as a Lieutenant in 2000.

Mr. Petrocik was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Negaunee, and was a life member and past commander of VA Romo Post #3165, Negaunee VFW. Tom was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Negaunee Rod & Gun Club, and was a certified NRA instructor.

Tom loved the woods and the hunting camp (aka: Camp No-Deer-Here) which he built from scratch in Alger County. He always thought he should have been a carpenter, as he loved the work and found it very satisfying. His most recent project, the patio he built on the back of their home in May of 2016, was where he enjoyed many hours with family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 pm on Monday, September 20th, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Negaunee, with Rev. Larry Van Damme officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 am, until the start of Mass at noon at the church on Monday, and also at a luncheon immediately following services in the St. Paul School Gymnasium. Interment with military honors will be held at the Negaunee Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Tom’s memory to the Negaunee VFW, PO Box 111, Negaunee, MI 49866, or the Negaunee Rod and Gun Club, 335 North Rd., Negaunee, and/or St. Paul Church Catholic Church, 202 W. Case St., Negaunee.

Tom’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.