John Frank Petkovich

July 21, 1930 – February 2, 2018

Entered into rest on February 2, 2018

John was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and neighbor, and we have lost a truly exemplary man with his passing. All who knew John admired and respected his intellect and wisdom, kindness and integrity. A man known for his wit and endearing sense of humor, he was equally quick to crack a playful joke as pay a thoughtful compliment. He will be missed terribly by all whose lives he touched and influenced, and we take comfort only in knowing that in his journey to heaven he is reunited with the love of his life, Shirley Louise (Hicks) Petkovich, his wife of 60 years, who preceded him into rest in 2015.

John was born on July 21, 1930 to Frances (Radovanovich) and John Jelecic Petkovich in Sacramento, CA. He leaves behind his sons Jerry of Roseville, CA and Mark (Cathy) of Heber City, UT, their son Anthony and his granddaughter, Anna Petkovich. He also leaves behind his brother Francis (Frank) Petkovich and sister-in-law Rosemarie, Larry and Dolores Wendt of Houston, TX and nieces and nephews Eleanora Friedrich (Tom), Karl Wendt (Tiffany), Rex Townsend, Elizabeth Townsend, Kathy Fee, Debra Verniest, Steven Petkovich, Micheyl Hiller (David), Phyllis Mank, as well as cherished friends and neighbors. In addition to his wife, he is preceded into rest by his brother Tony Petkovich, sister-in-law Marilyn Wiemeyer and brothers-in-law Vern Wiemeyer and Bruce Townsend.

John’s hobbies included gardening in the backyard and woodworking, and he was known to frequently gift his creations and embark on home improvement projects. He enjoyed RV camping and traveling with his family and visited all of the continental US. A longtime fan of classic cars, John’s chief devotion next only to his family was his 1972 240 Z, which he called “Christine.” He took great pleasure in driving and maintaining his Z and joining online Z fan clubs. He was also an avid reader of books on history, lover of classic and Rat Pack records, and a daily crossword puzzle player.

John graduated from Sacramento High School and earned an Associate’s Degree from Sacramento Junior College before beginning a 33-year-long career with the State of California in 1957 as a Junior Investigator in the Department of Insurance San Diego bureau. In 1961, he was appointed Senior Investigator in the Sacramento bureau, and later Lead Investigator of the Sacramento District Office of the Investigative Bureau. During his tenure with the Department of Insurance, he oversaw policy services and investigative matters in 17 Northern California counties and eventually chaired and directed the committee that wrote the Department’s standard office procedures manual; and was an often consulte d department expert on CA Bail Bonds rules. An esteemed colleague, upon his retirement in 1990, he was honored with the Senate Rules Committee Resolution award.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, February 16 at St. Clare Catholic Church, 1950 Junction Blvd., Roseville, CA at 10:30 a.m. A Memorial Service in the Morris Hall of St. Clare Catholic Church to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to an organization of your choice.