Anthony L. Petrie

Anthony Leonard Petrie “Tony” was born February 26, 1932 to Mary Benzschawel Petrie and Leonard Petrie. Raised within a small farming community, he developed strong work ethics, explored pathless woods and enjoyed fishing Lake Winnebago. He married Barbara Heinisch, teacher, in 1968 at St. Mary Church, DeKalb, Il.



Enlisting in the Air Force during the Korean War, Tony began as a Control Tower Operator at Sherman and Smoky Hill Air Force Bases and continued as Air Route Traffic Controller at Pusan and Tageu Korea. Tony was honorably discharge from the Air Force serving as Radar Approach Controller at Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha on December 7, 1955.



Tony’s career continued with the Chicago Federal Aviation Administration; he retired after 30 years as Controller/Supervisor at Chicago Center – at that time, the busiest air traffic center in the world. He was a licensed pilot and enjoyed membership in the Chicago Center Flying Club, serving as secretary/treasurer. With fellow controllers, he built el toro and mirror dinghies. During these years he enjoyed dancing and competed with 200 performers in a Dance-O-Roma at Madrid, Spain.



In 1983, Tony returned to Wisconsin dedicating his life to family; he continued to be a lifelong learner and handyman of precision. He was always interested in new technologies, yet maintained an appreciation for past treasures such as his 1932 blue Ford truck. Throwing away a gadget that might prove useful at a later time was unthinkable.



In the early sixties, with the help of his brother Paul, Tony built a cottage. Its impact throughout the years included bringing family and friends together; and for some, an opportunity to experience their first time water skiing. A sturgeon spearing enthusiast, Tony rarely missed a year for the chance to spear the elusive beast. While fishing for walleye was his favorite pastime; more important in later years were the moments he watched his grandchildren cast a line, paddle the canoe or set out to sail. He was always ready to share a friendly conversation and enjoyed music, board games and especially “hand and foot.”



Tony was devoted to God, family and country. He worked 26 years as caretaker/sexton and served as bookkeeper for St. Mary of the Seven Dolors cemetery. He was trustee/treasurer for St. Mary’s finance, building, and ground committees. From the first day Tony was diagnosed with cancer in 1993 to the day he died on August 8, 2016, his love of life’s blessings never diminished. He experienced spiritual strength and scriptural discernment through the rosary and prayer.



Tony was preceded in death by sisters: Marcella Petrie, Bernitta (Roman) Funk, Margaret (Robert) Schneider, Alice (Gerhardt) Krueger; Dorothy (Wayland) Preder, and brothers: Irving (Bertha) Petrie, Harold (Rosemary) Petrie.



Tony is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter Jennifer (John) Budde of DePere and their children Matthew, Nathan, Anna, Andrew, Mary; son Robert Petrie of Menasha and his children Sydney, Kaelene, Lacey, Genevieve. He is survived by sisters: Janet (Robert) Ferris, Shirley (Rodney) Dobe; and brother, Paul (Eileen) Petrie. He is survived by brothers-in-law: Carl (Jeanette) Heinisch, Raymond (Linda) Heinisch, Scott (Cindy) Faivre; sisters-in-law: Mary (Corky) Roach, Margaret (Jim) Bridge, Rosemary (Mike) Sulaver.



Scattered throughout the states, Tony will be lovingly remember by many nieces and nephews; some who knew him as their “Uncle Buddy” in early years.



A celebration of Tony’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 11, 2016 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Stockbridge with the Rev. Michael Betley officiating. Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery. Friends may call at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 and on Thursday at the church from 10:00 am until 10:45 am. The Rosary will be prayed at the close of the visitation Wednesday evening at the funeral home.



Memorials given in the name of Anthony L. “Tony” Petrie are appreciated for Notre Dame de la Baie Academy in Green Bay, and St. Mary of the Seven Dolors in Stockbridge.



Tony’s family would like to thank Dr. Goggins and his entire staff, as well as the Affinity Visiting Nurses for all of the loving care that was shown to both Tony and his entire family.