George N. Petry, 89

George N. Petry passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on February 11, 2025 at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital.

George was born November 10th 1935 in Danville, Illinois. He spent his childhood in Hoopeston, Illinois. He graduated from St. John's Military Academy, Delafield Wisconsin, in 1953 and Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, in 1958 with a degree in Agricultural Economics. He served in the Illinois National Guard.

In 1960 he met and fell in love with Joan Helen Rathbun. The two were married on January 21st, 1961. They settled in Hoopeston, Illinois. To this union six children were born. Those children recall happy memories of camping trips, dirt bike races, touch football games, ping-pong tournaments, family bike rides and trips to Milwaukee for German food and Brewers baseball games.

In 1977 George and Joan packed up the family and moved to Rapid City, South Dakota. George adored the Black Hills as it reminded him of the Black Forest in Germany. They and the kids had a great time exploring the many wonders of the Hills, especially Custer State Park. He always had his camera out to document the beautiful landscapes and antics of the family.

Music was one of George's favorite things.  He particularly loved Wagner (Die Meistersinger being his most beloved opera) but Beethoven, Mozart and Brahms would all top his list of favorite composers. He would listen to recordings every night before bed.

Another of George's favorite things was food. He loved to eat but, more importantly, he loved to cook. He was most pleased when others enjoyed his cooking whether it was a fancy spinach souffle with hollandaise sauce or a homemade pizza on Super Bowl Sunday.

Many, many summer days and nights George spent watching his favorite sport, baseball. From Little League to MLB. He loved it. He was fortunate to see two sons and two grandsons play for Post 22 at Fitzgerald Stadium, his happy place.

But nothing compares to the love George had for his family. Moments spent with his kids, grandkids and great grandkids were precious to him. You could see joy in his eyes and on his face whenever the family gathered. How lucky he was to be so loved by all of them in return.

George was proceeded in death by his father, George E. Petry, mother Lois (Wicks) Petry and brother Larry Petry.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan (Rathbun) Petry. His six children: Phillip, Diane Rutstein, Ruth (Chris) Zagala, Dennis (Ruth), Christopher (Heidi) and Carol (Ed) Malone. His eighteen grandchildren: Robert (Andrea) Rutstein and Elizabeth (Jimmy) Jones, Christopher Zagala, Koree (Cory) Geyer, Drew Zagala, Elaine, Madison, Erik (Malia Knight) and Grace Petry, Katrina, Samuel, Isabella, Sarah and Gabriel Petry, Amanda (Brad) Kaiser, Ean, Darien and Declan Malone. And his eleven great-grandchildren: Miles and Xavien Rutstein, James, Avery and Lauren Jones, Alvin and Quinn Geyer, Elijah and Elliana Petry, Alexandria Petry and Grayson Kaiser.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 13th at 10:30 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, Rapid City. Lunch immediately following in the church hall.