Ronald Dean Petrak

Ronald Dean Petrak, age 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 20, 2024.

Ronald was born September 21, 1931, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Lewis Erwin Petrak and Gladys Loretta (Naylor) Petrak. Due to his career in the ministry, he and his family resided in many Iowa towns over the years including Alburnett, Ames, Chariton, Dayton, Des Moines, LeMars, Red Oak, Rock Rapids, and Rockwell City.

Ron was raised during the Great Depression on the 90 acre Petrak family farm just outside of Alburnett, Iowa. As a child he was actively involved in 4-H, raising grand champion Jersey cows. He was also the valedictorian of his graduating class of 8 from Alburnett High school (go Pirates!)

Ronald obtained his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University, and his master’s degree in divinity from Evangelical Seminary in Naperville, Illinois. His final ministerial posting prior to retirement was at West Des Moines United Methodist Church.

In addition to being an active member of Grace United Methodist Church, he was also involved with the Methodist Federation for Social Action.

Ronald served his congregations with energy and industry. He actively cultivated relationships with colleagues and their families. He tirelessly gave ministry to those in need at numerous nursing facilities and hospitals around the state. He enjoyed time with his family on camping vacations to state and national parks. For many years he was an avid cyclist, having participated in many RAGBRAIs, starting in the early years with his first on RAGBRAI V. He took up golf late in life but certainly got the bug and imparted this affliction to two of his sons. Ron loved a good joke (or story as he referred to them), both on and off color.

Ron and Ruth Anne, the love of his life, enjoyed over forty years of rich and full married life. They traveled the world together. They enjoyed dining out in Des Moines. They restored and treasured their 1911 Craftsman home. Ron stayed active by chopping wood, shoveling snow, and mowing the rather large lawn. They held morning devotions in the sunroom and spent evenings by the fire.

He is survived by his children, Mary Beth Petrak, Keith Petrak, and Mark Petrak (Liz); Eric Scheie (who was John's long-time companion); four stepchildren and their spouses; ten grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and other extended family and friends.

Ronald is preceded in death by his wife Ruth Anne (Beard) Petrak; son John Harper Petrak; and his parents, Lewis and Gladys Petrak.

Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 6, 2024, with funeral service following at 12:00 p.m., at Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove Avenue in Des Moines. Interment will follow at Berwick Cemetery.

Contributions may be directed to Grace United Methodist Church or to the State of Iowa 4-H Foundation.

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