Stanley James Petracek

Stan, the fourth child of James and Annie (Zeleny) Petracek, was born April 11, 1926 in the Langenburg area.  He received his education in Karlsruhe and Redpath schools.  On November 12, 1951 Stan married his sweetheart Margaret Barilla.  Together they raised six children on the family farm east of K1 Potash Mine.  Stan and Margaret were involved in grain farming and raising Purebred Charolais cattle.  They were one of the founding members of the South East Saskatchewan Charolais Breeders in 1974, of which Stan was president for two years.

Stan served several terms on St. Wenceslaus church board and was a member of Gerald Knights of Columbus since 1963.  He served on both  Yarbo and Gerald Wheat Pool committees and was a 4-H leader for many years.  Stan’s commitment to his Gerald Parish and community was extremely important to him.

Stan and Margaret retired to Esterhazy in 1991, enjoying travelling across North America.  Stan was an avid sports fan supporting local hockey teams and ball teams.  Lifelong follower of his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays, Stan himself enjoyed participating in sports and only hung up his own hockey skates at the age of 83.

Stan’s greatest legacy is the sense of family he created with Margaret.  The love and pride he had for his family was felt by all of his children, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He was also a loyal brother, beloved uncle and friend to so many.  He had an innate ability to make everyone feel important and special knowing they were loved by him.  

Stan was predeceased by his parents, his brother Edward and sisters Emma Dutka and Yarmila Bartok.

Stan will be greatly missed by his wife Margaret and brother Emil (Gertrude).   Children:  David (Catherine) & son Brenden (Wynter); Donna (Carl) Nahachewsky; Jim (Marilyn) & son Justin; Mark; Ralph & son Russell & daughter Aimee (John) Sarazin; Laura & daughter Lana (Elmo) Hevey & great-grandchildren Frankie and Isla. 

Special thank you to:  Dr. Botha, nurses and Annette Hine of St. Anthony’s Hospital; Dr. Adriaan Louw for his years of care; Regina General Hospital (Cardiac Unit); Father Andrew Pawlowicz.