Bob Petricka, 66

Bob Petricka, 66, of St. Paul Park, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2009, at United Hospital in Saint Paul following a short illness. 

A memorial gathering was held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 26, with a service at 7 p.m. at Kok Funeral home, 7676 80th Street, Cottage Grove. Burial was Friday at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. 

Bob Petricka was born May 7, 1942, in Saint Paul, Minn., the son of Donald and Rose (Yanucci) Petricka. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1960. Following high school he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was united in marriage to Patricia L. Zelle on Dec. 24, 1962, in Maine. Bob worked for a number of years as a building inspector for the Saint Paul Housing Authority. In 1978, the couple moved to Cottage Grove and he started Petricka Construction. He built many homes in the Cottage Grove area. Bob was very proud of his Italian heritage, he loved his grandchildren and enjoyed his toys, tools, his dog and building and racing cars. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Pat, of St. Paul Park; sons, Jim (Yvonne) Petricka of Fremont, Calif., Don (Lori) Petricka of Cottage Grove; daughters, Sandy (Bill) Nelson of Cottage Grove, Jennifer (Andy) Grinde of Brooklyn Park, Chriss (Matt) Snyder of Cottage Grove; nine grandchildren, Mikki, Christopher, Katie, Jane, Joey, P-Nut, Drew, Kevin and Dominic; his sister, Squeak (Ken) Pream of Dent, Minn.; niece, Terri (Ardean) Anderson and nephew, Vince (Chris) Pream. 

A benefit in Bob’s honor is being planned for early May.

Arrangements by Kok Funeral Home, (651) 459-2875.

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