Tomas John Petr, age 83, of 1615 Dakota Avenue, Gladstone, MI died Sunday January 8, 2006 following a brief illness at the Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers where he was a resident.

Tomas was born December 24, 1922 in Razen, Czech Republic the son of Adolf and Mary (Kadlecek) Petr. He was raised in the Czech Republic where he graduated from school. During the war Tomas was placed in a Nazi Labor Camp in Berlin. After the war he returned to the Czech Republic where he met the former Anna Wollner, and a couple years later they had to flee the Communist controlled Czech Republic. They fled to Germany where they lived with Anna’s parents until they immigrated to the United States in 1951. When they arrived in New York City they were assisted by the Salvation Army and they later moved to Gladstone where they raised their eight children.

Tomas was employed for 1 year at the T.D. Vinete in Escanaba and from 1952 until its closure in 1983 he worked for the Harnischfeger Corporation in Escanaba. He then worked for his daughter Janie at the Dairy Flo in Gladstone until his retirement in 1991.

Tom was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone and his hobbies included woodworking. Survivors include;

6 Sons: Peter (Vickie) Petr of Miami, FL; Charlie (Pattie) Petr of Phoenix, AZ; Steven (Lynne) Petr of OshKosh, WI; John (Dorrie) Petr of Gladstone; James (Molly) Petr of Milwaukee, WI; Paul (Angela) Petr of Appleton, WI

2 Daughters: Janie (Don) Creten of Round Lake, MI; Sylvia Petr of Milwaukee, WI

1 Brother: Oldrich Petr of the Czech Republic

1 Sister: Franzin Frishmanova of the Czech Republic

21 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Anna on July 3, 1996, 1 daughter, Helena Petr, 2 sisters, Anna and Marie, and 2 brothers, Frank and Otto.

Tom’s family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial Services celebrating the life of Tomas John Petr will follow at 1:00 P.M. at the All Saints Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow officiating. Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alheizmers Assosiation, Delta County Cancer Alliance or the Salvation Army, envelopes will be available at the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes.