Joseph A. Petrick

Joseph A. “Joe” Petrick, age 88, of La Crescent, passed away surrounded by family on October 28, 2025. He was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on September 23, 1937, to Joseph S. and Kittie Petrick.

Joe graduated from Central High School in 1956 and proudly joined the United States Navy in 1957. He served as a radio operator and was stationed in Japan and Guam for most of his enlistment until his honorable discharge in 1963.

An active and energetic man, Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, bowling, and above all, cheering on his beloved Green Bay Packers. His adventures took him to Anchorage, Alaska, where he lived for several years before returning home to La Crosse. It was there that he met the love of his life, Joan, with whom he shared 49 wonderful years.

Joe worked for 28 years at Trane Company as a truck driver and later as a machinist. Known for his sharp wit and unforgettable sense of humor, he had a gift for making people laugh, especially his family.

Joe is survived by his wife, Joan Petrick; daughter, Lori Petrick; brother, Maynard Petrick; sister-in-law, Jan Petrick; his granddaughter who held a special place in his heart, Breanne White; stepchildren, Vicky White, Steve (Cindi) White, Janel (Gary Lagore) Brannigan, and Debra (Chris) Escher; grandchildren, Mia (Mark) Martinez, Natasha (Fred) Butterfield, Andrew Brannigan, Somer Thomas, Ron White, and Zachary Payne; great-granddaughter McKenzie Brannigan; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph S. and Kittie Petrick; brother Leo “Bud” Petrick; sister-in-law Betty Petrick; and grandson Patrick Brannigan.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Trinity United Church of Christ, W4888 Harvest Lane, La Crosse, WI 54601. Visitation will be from 10:00–11:00 a.m., with a service at 11:00 a.m., followed by military honors and a luncheon. A private burial will take place at a later date.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Emplify Health and Hospice team for their compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joe’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association in support of dementia research and care.