Terry David Petracek, 72 of Crete, NE passed away peacefully surrounded by his family & his C.V.F.D. family on May 1st, 2024 after a brave & courageous battle with lung cancer.
Terry was born July 5th, 1951 in Crete, NE to Henry & Lucille Petracek. Terry graduated from Crete High School & attended Southeast Community College in Milford. After graduating with an architectural drafting degree, he worked for the State of Nebraska Department of Roads, sold cars, then went to work for the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years. The last 15 years were spent as Postmaster in Crete where he retired in 2008.
Terry joined the Crete Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department in 1974 & celebrated 50 years of faithful service on April 21st, 2024 standing next to his “brothers and sisters” where he shared memories and love for the Department. Over his career he held many titles & mentored countless colleagues & touched many lives in his community.
Terry will be remembered for his sense of humor, willingness to go above and beyond to help others, family vacations & golfing. Terry had many loves but his most cherished were his friends, his brothers & sisters on the Fire Department & his family, especially his wife of 51 years, Joy.
Terry is preceded in death by his father Henry, mother Lucille, brother-in-law Gary Coffey and many close relatives. Terry is survived by his sister Marsha & brother-in-law Rod Skleba of Wilber. Mother-in-law Betty Coffey & Friend Roy Jensen, Wife Joy (Coffey) Petracek, Children Troy & Mindy (Delabar), Granddaughters Hayley, Reagan, & Kennidy, Brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law Tim & Lisa Coffey, Gay & David Whitman. Special friends Tim Smejdir, Butch Mehl & Duane Kuebler. Aunts, uncles, cousins & cherished friends .
A celebration of Terry’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 14th, 2024 at 1:00 pm at College Heights Country Club, 1225 East 4th Street in Crete. Memorials may be given to the family for a charitable donation to be made in Terry’s memory. Condolences may be left at trumpmemorials.com. Trump Funeral Services, 1600 West “O” Street, Lincoln.
I was sorry to learn of Terry’s passing. He was a wonderful person and gave of himself tirelessly during his time with Crete Fire & Rescue. His son, Troy and I were good friends during our school years. We spent a lot of time at each other’s homes and Terry and Joy were always good to me. The entire Crete community will miss him dearly as will I.
Kathy and I are truly sorry to hear about Terry’s passing. We knew Terry throughout our time in Crete. There will be a Huge loss to the community of Crete for all his dedication and service with his time on the Fire and Rescue. Terry was a mentor to almost everyone that joined the department. He kept everyone on the straight and narrow. His knowledge and experience will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the entire Petracek family.
Terry was one of a kind-serve his Community- Prayers to Joy and family
Terry was one of the good ones, taken way too soon! Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joy and their family!
I was so sorry to hear about Terry’s passing. He was a good man who loved his family greatly – My prayers will be with Joy, Troy, Mindy, Hayley, Reagan and Kennidy as well as the entire family as you celebrate his life today.