Richard V. “Rich” Petershack of Oconomowoc, Wis., 87, formerly of Richardson, Texas, and Brookfield and West Allis, Wis., died June 5. He was born April 1, 1928, to Marie and Victor Petershack. After a long and very active life, he died peacefully, as a result of a brief illness.

His beloved wife Mary Anne; his seven children and spouses, Larry and Kristie Petershack of Sandy Hook, Rob and Kim Petershack of Madison, Wis., Kathleen and Jeff Dagenhardt of West Allis, Wis., Ken and Liz Petershack of Delafield, Wis., Lori and Dave Birchbauer of Waukesha, Wis., Dave and Jean Petershack of San Antonio, Texas, and Rick Petershack and special friend Darcy Williams also of Madison; and Mrs Petershack’s children and spouses, Tom and Wendy Pyszczynski, Rick and Linda Lenz Pyszczynski, and Cathy and Tom Lidwin; his brother Victor Petershack, and wife Kathleen; his sister Sylvia Murn, and husband James Garnes; and his sister-in-law Cill Collins survive Mr Petershack. Twelve grandchildren, Ben and Rene, Katy and John, Dallas and Sam, AJ, Dani, Paige, Aidan, Brooks, Gregory, Matthew, Declan, and Claire; and Mary Anne’s two grandchildren, Ryan and Marya; a great-granddaughter and a soon-to-be-born great-grandson; and many more cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends, in addition to his faithful dog companion, also survive him.

He was predeceased by his dear wife of 53 years, Dolores. 

Mr Petershack graduated from Pius XI High School in Milwaukee, and then enlisted in the US Army at age 17, to fight in World War II. He was on a ship heading to Okinawa for the invasion of Japan when WWII ended, and finished the remainder of his army life as part of the occupying force in Yamagata, Japan. A medaled veteran, he achieved the rank of sergeant major before his honorable discharge.

He used the GI Bill to begin his college studies at Michigan Tech University before transferring to Marquette University, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. Through friends he met Dolores, and started his family in West Allis. He was employed for many years as an engineer at Allis-Chalmers in West Allis before obtaining his professional engineer’s certification and joining with friends and fellow engineers to start his own business, Pro-File, Inc. During that time, Rich and Dolores lived in Brookfield, Wis., in a home he designed that was built to suit his growing family. Ultimately, he took a job with Waldes Kohinoor, Inc of Long Island City, N.Y. Waldes transferred him to Richardson, Texas, as their senior vice president of National Sales. He worked for Waldes until his retirement. 

After his first wife’s passing, he relocated back to Wisconsin, moving closer to his family. Making his home in Oconomowoc proved to be a blessing to his family and friends. Little did he know that this move would result in him finding the next love of his life, Mary Anne, whom he married in August 2012.

Family and faith were the two most important things to Mr Peterson. The many family gatherings were a strong testament to his love. Providing a strong Catholic education and foundation for his children was paramount. He loved nature — especially watching thunderstorms “roll in” — and provided a warm home for animals throughout his life. Rich was an avid golfer and never missed an opportunity to get out on the course. Family would not be surprised if he has probably already played a couple rounds in heaven. He also enjoyed his regular trips to Potawatomi Casino with Mary Anne.

A deeply faithful, well-spoken, quiet man, Richard was a loving husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa who will be forever missed and remembered.

His final spoken words were, “I love you all very much.”

Remembered as a deeply faithful, well-spoken, quiet man, Mr Petershack was a loving husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa who will be forever missed and remembered by all who knew him.

Visitation will take place Saturday, June 13, at St Charles Catholic Church, 313 Circle Drive, Hartland, Wis., from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Mr Petershack’s favorite charities, St Charles Catholic Church, 313 Circle Drive, Hartland WI 53029, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105, HAWS, Inc (Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County), 701 Northview Road, Waukesha WI 53188; or to a charity of choice.