Richard J. “Dick” Petrick of Plainwell, MI peacefully passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at his home in Plainwell, MI surrounded by his family. He was born on March 18, 1936, to Bernard and Lucille (Kazebeer) Petrick in Ansley, NE.
Dick is survived by his wife Judy; children Doug (Kim) Petrick, John (Tracie) Petrick, Jennifer Petrick and David (Laura) Petrick; grandchildren Kyle, Alex, Paige, Leah, Ali, James, Carley, and Jack. Sister Bev (Myron) Reynolds, brother Bob (Judy) Petrick, and many treasured nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Lucille, step-mother Dorothy (Lewis) Petrick, brother Larry and sister Judy (Lewis) Petrick. at the First Presbyterian Church, 8047 Church St., Richland, MI at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 9, 2017.
Dick was raised on the family farm and it was here that his fondness for animal health started. Dick was a graduate of Ansley High School and then attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Before completing his studies at UNL, Dick joined the Army and spent two years stationed in Germany. Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned to Lincoln and graduated from UNL with a degree in Animal Husbandry.
In 1960, Dick was hired by the Upjohn Company as a salesman of veterinary products.In 1962, while living in San Francisco, he met the love of his life and wife of 54 years, Judith (Judy) Bice. On December 29, 1962, Dick and Judy were wed in holy matrimony. Dick spent his 35-year career working for the Upjohn Company.
As his role with the company changed every few years, so did the place he would call home. Dick, Judy, and their kids spent time in Chamblee, GA and Cedarburg, WI before he was transferred in 1972 to the company’s home base in Kalamazoo, MI. For the majority of his time in Michigan, Dick worked at Upjohn Agricultural Division in Richland. Dick was fond of his Upjohn family of friends and cherished the many acquaintances he made during his years with the company.
Among the highlights of his time with Upjohn were the many years spent with his wife, Judy, hosting the annual Sales Academy Awards meeting at Upjohn’s Brook Lodge retreat in Augusta, MI.In 2016, twenty years after retiring, Dick decided that retirement wasn’t for him. He pursued and acquired a license to sell health insurance and his focus was on assisting people recently retired. In two years’ time, Dick had compiled hundreds of clients and was proud that he could provide health insurance advice to those needing his services.
Outside of work, Dick enjoyed hobby farming, traveling, golf, boating around Lake Doster and spending time with family and friends. He was also a BIG fan of his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers football team and could be found watching them every Saturday.Everyone that knew Dick recognized how much he loved his family. His wife Judy, his children, grandchildren and extended family made his life complete. Dick loved family gatherings and knew how valuable the time was when everyone could come together for a holiday. Christmas was his favorite holiday; due to his enormous heart, generous soul and the joy it brought him spending time with those he loved. Dick will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
