Obituaries & Guestbook

Anton “Tony” James Petrauski passed away on Friday, April 2, 2021 at the age of 100, peacefully in his home, surrounded by the love of his family. Tony was born on January 17, 1921 in Sheboygan, WI to Frank Sr. and Mary Savinski Petrauski.
Tony will forever be remembered by his loving children, Lynn (Jean) Petrauski, of New Berlin, Joan Lorier, of Sheboygan Falls, Mary (David) Zinkgraf, of Plymouth, Sharon (Dan) Dever, Sheboygan, Karen (Bruce) Diener, of New Berlin, David Petrauski, of Sheboygan, Maria Martin (Joel Fischer), of Sheboygan Falls, Ann (Kevin) Hartmann, of Sheboygan and Tom (Connie)Petrauski, of Nashwauk, MN. His legacy includes 31 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Sr., and Mary, his 6 siblings, his wife, Ruth, son, Gary Petrauski, daughters, Susan Diels, Theresa Murphy-Buckley, son-in-law, Jack Lorier and granddaughter, Kristin (Diener) Love.
Tony attended the Lyman one-room schoolhouse in Sheboygan through the 8th grade, where he continued his schooling and graduated from Sheboygan Central High School in 1939. He then joined the CCC Camp and served 6 months in Brule, WI working forestry jobs. On February 1, 1941 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ruth Jane Russell and went on to have twelve children. They loved to travel and visited all 50 states and Europe. They also enjoyed attending the annual 11th Armored Division Reunions. After celebrating 74 years of marriage, she preceded him in death in May 2015.
Tony served in World War II as a Staff Sergeant under General George Patton’s Third Army in the European Theater of Operations, 11th Armored Division. Tony fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and liberated the Mauthausen Concentration Camp. He was awarded many medals of honor for his service including the Army of Occupation Medal, the European Victory Medal, and the Expert Rifleman’s Medal to name a few. After serving his country, Tony returned to Sheboygan to his wife and children and wore many hats before deciding to go to school on the GI Bill to be a printer. He worked as a printer at the Sheboygan Press for close to 33 years before retiring in 1987. He was a lifelong member of St. Dominic Catholic Church, VFW Post 9156, and the Town and Country Golf Club. His favorite past-times included golfing, bowling, gardening, ice fishing, volunteering with Ruth at the Salvation Army as a bell ringer for many years, and camping every summer at State Parks. Being the first on the golf course with his golfing buddies each morning was the highlight of his retirement. His fly-ins to Canada and Alaska with family and friends were also very dear to his heart.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 2136 N. 21st Street, Sheboygan with Fr. Norberto Sandoval officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am until the time of Mass at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery.
A heartfelt thank you is extended to his caregivers, Juanita, Victoria, and Nancy for their compassion and exceptional care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, Meals on Wheels, or the Salvation Army.
The Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com
“As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round.” – Ben Hogan