Obituary of Janice Petrich

Memorial Tribute Janice Lavonne Petrich, daughter of Gerrit and Irene (Van Engen) Van Den Brink, was born on January 29, 1942, at her parents’ farm near Sanborn, IA. She attended Sanborn Public School, where she was involved in Glee Club, sextet, and basketball. She was crowned homecoming queen in 1960 and graduated Salutatorian of her class. On December 17, 1960, Janice was united in marriage to Bruce Petrich, and to this union, three children were born: Wendy, Stacy and Boyd. Janice and her family lived in Iowa and Blackfoot, Idaho, where she worked as a homemaker and at various banking institutions. She returned to her roots in Sanborn in late 2001, wanting to be closer to family. She began working for Vander Werff & Associates as an Appraisal Preparation Specialist. She thrived there, in an environment among caring friends. Shortly after arriving in Sanborn, Janice was diagnosed with cancer, but seemingly recovered successfully with the loving help of family and longtime friends. She faced her cancer with a cheerful and positive outlook, and was an inspiration to all around her. In her free time, Janice enjoyed socializing with family and friends. She was known for her great sense of humor, loved to laugh, and was a good listener. She was an avid football fan-especially the Minnesota Vikings. She also enjoyed fishing, bowling and reading. Christmas was Janice’s favorite holiday; she sometimes left her tree up until March. She was an accomplished musician, whether it was singing, playing the piano or the accordion. She taught private lessons, played at state contests, and loved to play at the First Reformed Church in Sanborn. Survivors include her three children: Wendy and her husband, George Jeffes of Star, ID; Stacy and her husband, Patrick Rodriguez of Boise, ID; Boyd Petrich of Boise, ID; her five grandchildren: Gavin Jeffes, Kaitlin Suekel, Caleb Suekel, Abygale Rodriguez, and Elijah Petty; her mother, Irene Van Beek, and her sister, Joyce Fedders, both of Sheldon, IA; her brother, Gary Van Den Brink of Spirit Lake, IA; her step-brother, Steve Van Beek of Sheldon, IA; and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Gerrit Van Den Brink; a brother in infancy; and her step-father, Harold Van Beek. Janice will be missed by many; her friendship, warm smile, caring heart, amazing spirit and courage were an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. A Life Remembered Janice Petrich Born- January 29, 1942 Died- August 11, 2006 Age- 64 years 6 months 12 days Memorial Service St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Sanborn, IA 10:30 am Saturday, August 19, 2006 Officiating- Rev. Thomas A. Connors Pianist- Gayle Vander Woude Congregational Singing “In the Garden” “Amazing Grace” Musical Selection “On Eagles’ Wings” Honorary Pallbearers Gavin Jeffes Kaitlin Suekel Caleb Suekel Elijah Petty Abygale Rodriguez Ushers Keith Lyman Steve Buren Inurnment Roseland Cemetery, Sanborn, IA Janice’s family would like you to join them for a time of food and fellowship in the church hall following the memorial service. (“It has to be Lays potato chips” –Janice)