John H. Petri, Jr.

John H. Petri Jr., 87, of Springfield, formerly of Granite City, IL and High Hill, MO, died on Friday, December 7, 2007 at St. John’s Hospital Hospice Unit. John was born December 18, 1919 in Belleville, IL the son of John H. Petri Sr. and Myra Nichols Petri. He married Jean Desherlia Burns. He is survived by his wife Jean; two daughters from his first marriage to Rosalie Whitaker: Nancy Gibson of O’ Fallon, IL and Elizabeth (Charles) Zalar of Springfield; two stepchildren: Shirley (Tom) Hase of Holstein, MO, and Thomas (Sherry) Burns of High Hill, MO; three grandchildren: Michael (Carrie) Gibson of Ladera Ranch, CA, Matthew (Tina) Gibson of Hampshire, IL and Amy (Mark) Heaton of Aurora, IL; four step-grandchildren, Bob and Tom Hase of Holstein, and Jennifer and Brian Burns of High Hill; several great grandchildren; one brother: Lawrence (Ruth) Petri of Granite City; one sister: Rhea Corrigan of Downers Grove, IL; and many nieces, and nephews. Mr. Petri graduated from Granite City High School and was in the U.S. Navy in World War II and the Korean War. He worked in aircraft research and development for McDonnell-Douglas. He was especially proud of his work on NASA space projects. John was an active member of the Kiwanis Club, first as a young man in Troy, IL and finally when he was in his 80’s in High Hill, Missouri. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. He was a champion wrestler in high school and loved fishing and golf as well as tending to his vegetable garden. Burial will be at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 687 E. Linton Ave. Springfield, IL 62703