Terry David Petracek, 72, of Crete, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and his C.V.F.D. family on May 1, 2024, after a brave and courageous battle with lung cancer.
Terry was born July 5, 1951, in Crete, to Henry and Lucille Petracek. Terry graduated from Crete High School and 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 and Rescue Department in 1974 and celebrated 50 years of faithful service on April 21, standing next to his “brothers and sisters” where he shared memories and love for the department. Over his career, he held many titles and mentored countless colleagues and 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 and golfing. Terry had many loves but his most cherished were his friends, his brothers and sisters on the fire department and 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, and brother-in-law Rod Skleba of Wilber; mother-in-law, Betty Coffey, and friend, Roy Jensen; wife, Joy (Coffey) Petracek; children, Troy and Mindy (Delabar); granddaughters, Hayley, Reagan and Kennidy; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Tim and Lisa Coffey, and Gay and David Whitman; special friends, Tim Smejdir, Butch Mehl and Duane Kuebler; aunts, uncles, cousins and cherished friends.
A Celebration of Life will be Tuesday, May 14, at 1 p.m. at College Heights Country Club in Crete. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family for a charitable donation to be made in Terry’s memory. Arrangements by Trump Funeral Services in Lincoln.
