John James "JP" Petrik

John James “JP” Petrik, 84, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away on October 22, 2026.

JP was born on March 7, 1942, in Martin, South Dakota, to Edward and Aileen (Nelson) Petrik. He grew up on the family farm near Patricia, South Dakota, where he learned how to work hard and how to fix just about anything with whatever was on hand. Those skills served him well as a mechanic and later in seed and feed sales across Minnesota and South Dakota. He wrapped up his career selling cars in South Dakota, Arizona, and Nebraska, a job perfectly suited to a man who never met a stranger and never ran out of things to say.

JP grew up in a musical family, and family gatherings often turned into an evening of playing and singing together. He carried that music with him all his life. He never learned to read a note, but he could pick up a guitar, play just about anything by ear, and sing right along. He also loved camping, fishing, and country music, and he loved a good argument. If you didn’t have an opinion, he was happy to lend you one so the two of you could disagree. But the true loves of his life walked on four legs. His dogs were his constant companions, his best audience, and the only ones who never argued back.

JP was especially proud of his sobriety, and he had every reason to be. One month before his passing, he celebrated 47 years sober, a milestone that took courage, faith, and a whole lot of stubbornness, which he had plenty of. Over the years, he also sponsored numerous people on their own journeys, passing along the hope that had been given to him.

John is survived by his daughters, Wendi (Jeanne Gacke) Van Beek and Lori (Jeremy) Colbeck; his grandchildren, Sadie and Logan; his honorary daughter, Alicia Pinault, and her family; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and his loyal dog, Annie, who is retiring in Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Dolores, and her husband, Glenn Stethem; his infant daughter, Cindy; his nephews, Roger and Rocky Stethem; many family members and friends who were precious to him; and his beloved dogs Duke, E.T., and Bridget, who we like to think were first in line to greet him.

A memorial service will be held in early summer 2027 in Martin, South Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the North Platte City Animal Shelter, where JP found both Bridget and Annie.

Odean Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.