Born: Feb. 9, 1912

Died: April 8, 2013

William Petruska, 101, of Missions East Drive, Niles, Mich., died on April 8, 2013 at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles. He was born in South Bend, Ind., on High Street to Carl C. & Maria (Keina) Petruska on Feb. 9, 1912 and moved to Niles, Mich., in 1913. William graduated from Niles High School in 1930 and was a member of the Leaders Club, played football and was on the track team. He worked at Kawneer Company in Niles.

In 1943, William was drafted into the United States Army, infantry. He was in service in Italy and Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1945. In 1947, he went to work for the United States Post Office, retiring in 1977. He was a member of the Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Niles where he served as an usher and also was a member of the Calvary Cemetery Board.

William enjoyed retirement, spending his time gardening, playing bridge, cribbage, and volunteering for Meals on Wheels in Niles. He also devoted many of his hours helping his elderly friends.

In 1939, William married the former Anne E. Gogola, his childhood sweetheart. They were married at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Niles, where they lived their married lives until her passing on December 1, 1997.

In addition to his wife Anne, William was preceded in death by his parents; Carl and Maria Petruska, two sisters; Anna & Mary, six brothers; Joseph, Carl, James, Paul, Frank and Edward.

William is survived by two daughters; Susan Gerbel of Saint Joseph, Mich., and Gail Brennan of Fort Smith, Ark., his grandchildren; John Gerbel, Julie Thornburg, Kevin Herron, Kelly Moore, Donnie & Michael Brennan, and 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He is also survived by one brother; Hank.

The Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for William Petruska will be celebrated at noon on Monday, April 15, 2013 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Niles, by Rev. David Otto of the parish. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends one hour prior to services at the church.

The family invites you to honor him at a luncheon following graveside services at the Church Parish Hall.

Donations in memory of William may be made to Saint Mary’s Catholic Church.

www.halbritterfunerals.com