RAPID CITY- Stanley W. Petrik, died surrounded by the love of his family on Saturday, September 8, 2012, at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Stanley W. Petrik was born on December 30, 1935, in Rapid City, South Dakota to Adolph E. "Rudy" and Anastasia Petrik. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1954. Stan attended Creighton University for two years before transferring to South Dakota State University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy. Stan began his military career in the South Dakota National Guard in May of 1960 as a Private. He later attended the South Dakota Military Academy and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant assigned to the 147th Field Artillery. He served numerous positions with the 109th Engineer Battalion before being promoted to Colonel and accepting an assignment as the 109th Engineer Group Commander. Stan's final promotion was to Brigadier General where he served as the Assistant Adjutant General for the South Dakota Army National Guard. Just prior to his retirement in August of 1991, General Petrik was awarded by the Secretary of the Army, The Legion of Merit for his outstanding services and performance. As a Pharmacist, Stan worked at Mills Drug Store and Bennett Hospital Pharmacy before owning his own Pharmacies, Parkside Prescription Service and Family Prescription Service. In 1997, Stan retired while working for Safeway Pharmacy. He was awarded the Bowl of Hygeia by the South Dakota Pharmaceutical Association for his community service. Stan was active in the Rapid City community as a member of the Retired Officers Association, SD Pharmaceutical Association, Elks Lodge, and Knights of Columbus. He served as Ward 1 Councilman for two terms, was a Rushmore Little League Coach and Manager, and a Trustee and Council Member of St. Therese the Little Flower Church. Throughout his lifetime, Stan was a pillar of strength with his faith, love and support for his family, friends and neighbors. Stan is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Helen "Janie" (Bagby) Petrik, five children: Joanie (Larry) Mantei, Stanley "Chip" (Rusanne) Petrik,, Scott (Tina) Petrik, and Shelly (Bruce) Evans of Rapid City, South Dakota, Jill (Don) Edwards of Scottsdale, Arizona, 16 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, sister Mary Ann Wiersma of Mitchell; and numerous nieces and nephews. His kind heart and smiling eyes will never be forgotten. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. with a Christian Wake Service at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 11, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home: 2700 Jackson Blvd. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 12, at St. Therese Catholic Church: 532 Adams Street, with Rev. Bill Zandri presiding. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Rapid City with Military Honors provided by the Rushmore VFW Post 1273 and the South Dakota National Guard. Memorials have been established to Diabetes Incorporated, John T. Vucurevich Cancer Center, and St. Therese Catholic Church.