John J. Pettera

LUDELL -- John J. Pettera, 81, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at his home in Ludell.

He was born Oct. 22, 1921, in Herndon, to Amelia (Vap) and Joseph Pettera. As a boy, he attended country school, St. Mary's School and graduated from Herndon High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942-43, and was honorably discharged.

On June 6, 1950, he married Patsy Drain at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Herndon. They made their home on the family farm near Ludell. He was a farmer and stockman.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Herndon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Joseph, Herman and Louis; and four sisters, Sister Joseph Beniti (Hilda), Bertha Hartman, Gertrude Kogl and Anna Pettera.

Survivors include his wife, Patsy of Ludell; daughters, Kathy Larkin of Denver, Colo., and Mary and husband, Pat Zogelman of Florence, Kan.; three sons, Randy Pettera and wife, Desree and Jim Pettera and wife, Sandi, all of McCook, and John Pettera, Jr., of Ludell; sisters, Caroline Pettera, Marie Roy and Veronica Olson; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, 10:30 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Atwood with the Rev. Damian Richards as celebrant. Interment with military rites will be in the St. Mary's Cemetery in Herndon.

A parish vigil and Knights of Columbus rosary will be recited Sunday, 7 p.m., at Williams Funeral Home Chapel.

Visitation is Saturday from 6-9 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

A memorial has been established in his name.

Williams Funeral Home of Atwood is in charge of arrangements.