Bruce B. Petri, 87, of Kewaskum, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, surrounded by family members at Kathy Hospice in the town of Polk.

He was born on July 18, 1924, in the town of Wayne, the son of the late Wendel and Sophie (Amerling) Petri, and on May 29, 1948, he was united in marriage to Eileen Lackas at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Theresa.

Bruce was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Kewaskum and was also a member of the Kewaskum Fire Department, retiring in 1984 after 30 years of service. Even after retiring from the department, he spent many hours doing odds and ends at the department. He was employed by Regal Ware Inc. in Kewaskum, retiring after 40 years of service and was a member of the 25 Year Club. In Bruce’s free time, he enjoyed woodworking, watching birds and making wreaths, which he generously donated to people.

Those Bruce leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 63 years, Eileen; six children, Gary (Jean) Petri of Denver, Colorado, David (Marilyn) Petri of West Bend, Michael (Dawn) Petri of Muscatine, Iowa, Paul (Mary Ann) Petri and Jean Lichtensteiger both of West Bend and Joan (Tony) Ruplinger of Campbellsport; a brother, Earl (Martha) Petri of Kewaskum; three sisters-inlaw, Lucille Petri of West Bend, Mildred Theisen of Kewaskum and Rita Lackas of Theresa; two brothers-in-law, Harold Lackas of Lomira and Don (Rose) Lackas of Campbellsport; and 17 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Myron (Bernice) Petri, and two sisters, Ione (Lee) Honeck and Doris (Tom) Kluever.

A Mass of Christian burial for Bruce will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Kewaskum. Father Rick Wendell will officiate and burial will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday in the parish cemetery.