PETCHAUER John R. Jack Petchauer age 79 of Grand Rapids was called to his heavenly home February 1 2012 with his family by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Elizabeth Petchauer. He is survived by his wife of 53 wonderful years Russelle Rusty Petchauer; children William (Anne) Petchauer and Jamie (Timothy) Milnamow; grandchildren Grant and Bradford Petchauer and Justin Taylor and Zachary Milnamow; brothers C. Robert (Jacquelynn) Petchauer Dr. C. William Petchauer and sister Mary Lou (Rev. Allen) Higginbothom and several nieces and nephews. He was raised on a dairy farm on East Paris when it was a dirt road. After graduation from Caledonia High School he entered the Navy for three years during the Korean conflict. He met his future wife in the bookstore at Grand Rapids Junior (Community) College settled in Grand Rapids to marry and raise a family spent over 27 years as a butcher at Waalkes Meat Market and enjoyed his passions of golf hunting fishing family camping Civil War history the movies the library and summers in Traverse City with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his ready smile quick wit mulligans off the first tee and loving nature. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held Wednesday11:00 am at Mayflower Congregational Church 2345 Robinson Rd. SE Rev. Dr. Mark Barger Elliott and Rev. Dr. Allen Higginbotham officiating. Visitation 2-4 & 6-8 PM February 7 at the OBrien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel 3980 Cascade Rd. SE. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Friends of the Library Cascade Twp. Branch 2870 Jacksmith Ave., SE Grand Rapids MI 49546.
