Nov 2, 2013

Served in Army, enjoyed traveling

Andrew Michael Petrus, resident of Grants Pass, Ore., died Saturday, October 5, 2013, in Highland House Nursing Home, due to complications associated with pneumonia.

He was born on December 19, 1920, in Slovan, a son of the late John Petrus and Mary Petkovich.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, are sisters Mary Pozniko and Emma Marie Dorhow.

Mr. Petrus leaves behind his beloved wife, Lois, and many extended family members and friends around the United States.

He grew up in Slovan and was a 1940 graduate of Union High School in Burgettstown.

Mr. Petrus bravely served his country in the U.S. Army from September 15, 1942 to June 13, 1946. He served in the 17th Infantry and participated in several campaigns. His most difficult battle was waged in the Aleutian Islands off the coast of Alaska in May, 1943. He was featured in two documentary films that appeared on PBS and were viewed at film festivals around the world. These titles are “Aleutians: Cradle of the Storm,” released in 2002, and “Red, White, Black & Blue,” released in 2006. He was interviewed several times by The Daily Courier in Grants Pass and for the World War II Museum in New Orleans, La. His other campaigns were fought in the Marshall Islands, Leyte Gulf and Okinawa. He was awarded four campaign medals, Purple Heart, Silver Star and Bronze Star on August 2, 1957 for “Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against the Enemy,” and Pacific Theater Operations, during the Aleutian Islands Campaign. He was a passionate soldier and served his country proudly. He was always ready to share his experiences with anyone who cared to listen. He and his fellow soldiers were instrumental in having a war memorial placed for the little known “Battle of Attu.” With the help of the U.S. Coast Guard stationed at Loran, the plaque was delivered, put in place and dedicated in June, 2001.

After his honorable discharge in 1946, he returned to Detroit, Mich., and continued his career with the City of Detroit. He began as a street car operator and finally retired as a senior health inspector.

In 1950, he met the love of his life and soul mate, Lillie Lois Gibson. After a five year courtship, they were married September 15, 1955, in Angola, Ind. They recently celebrated their 58th anniversary. They spent many wonderful years together, traveling, fishing and bowling. He was an avid bowler, participating in several leagues at a time. He was still bowling at the age of 92. His wife continues to bowl twice a week at the age of 88.

After he retired in 1976, he and his wife moved to California for a few years t while deciding where they wanted to settle. His wife’s brother invited them to beautiful southern Oregon and they immediately were smitten by the great weather and lovely surroundings. They have lived in Grants Pass since 1979.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 4, in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Burgettstown, where full militery rights will be accorded by Slovan-Burgettstown Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project. It would be greatly appreciated. Visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org to donate. Arrangements are being handled by Taucher Funeral Home, Burgettstown.