John "Jack" Petchauer

PETCHAUER, JOHN R. "JACK" John R. "Jack" Petchauer, age 79, of Grand Rapids, was called to his Heavenly home, Wednesday, February 1, 2012, with his family by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elizabeth Petchauer. He is survived by his wife of 53 wonderful years, Russelle "Rusty" Petchauer; children, William (Anne) Petchauer and Jamie (Timothy) Milnamow; grandchildren, Grant and Bradford Petchauer and Justin, Taylor and Zachary Milnamow; brothers, C. Robert (Jacquelynn) Petchauer, Dr. C. William Petchauer; and sister, Mary Lou (Rev. Allen) Higginbotham; and several nieces and nephews. He was raised on a dairy farm on East Paris when it was a dirt road. After graduation from Caledonia High School, he entered the Navy for three years during the Korean conflict. He met his future wife in the bookstore at Grand Rapids Junior (Community) College, settled in Grand Rapids to marry and raise a family, spent over 27 years as a butcher at Waalkes Meat Market, and enjoyed his passions of golf, hunting, fishing, family, camping, Civil War history, the movies, the library, and summers in Traverse City with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his ready smile, quick wit, mulligans off the first tee, and loving nature. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, 11:00 am, at Mayflower Congregational Church, 2345 Robinson Rd. SE, Rev. Dr. Mark Barger Elliott and Rev. Allen Higginbotham, officiating. Visitation 2-4 and 6-8 PM, Tuesday, February 7 at the O'Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Friends of the Library, Cascade Twp. Branch, 2870 Jacksmith Ave., SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546.