TRAVERSE CITY -- Burton Roland Petaja, 84, died peacefully at his Traverse City home on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. He was a man who often prayed and thanked God for the gift of salvation.
Born in Laurium on Dec. 15, 1924, to Gust and Anna Petaja, Burt was a master carpenter and avid hockey player. He served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII before earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1949. He played hockey for the Michigan Tech Huskies.
He co-owned Petaja Brothers Building and Modernization with his brother, Bob. Together they left their legacy of fine craftsmanship throughout the Detroit area until 1971, and thereafter in the Traverse City area until retirement. He and Bob are especially remembered for their work at Bair Lake Bible Camp, Upper Peninsula Bible Camp and the family cottage, affectionately known as "Dreamland," near Lake Linden.
Burt continued playing hockey well into his late 70s. Thus, decades of tales about his hockey prowess are still being told. Never afraid of wintry challenges, he was one of the oldest participants in the annual 27K Vasa Cross Country Ski Race for several years.
On July 22, 1989, he married Bob's widow, Virginia. They shared nearly 10 years together before her death in 1999.
Burt is survived by Bob and Virginia's children: Ron (Niola) Petaja of Louisville, Ky., Ann (Larry) Chappel, Jim (Shannon) Petaja, of Williamsburg, and Jeanette (Todd) Waara, of Traverse City; eight step-grandchildren: Danielle (Brad) Artinian, Matthew (Jennifer) Petaja, Christine, Errin, and Denae Chappel, Shea, McKrai, and Tec (Chelsea) Petaja; and five step-great grandchildren. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, of whom Roselee Ann Bennett of Chester, Md., and Susan (Bob) King of Eagle Harbor were like daughters to him. A sister, Margaret Eleanore Prall of Medaryville, Ind., survives him.
In addition to his wife, Burt was preceded in death by his parents and 11 other siblings.
His witty sense of humor and quick one-liners kept family and friends chuckling and shaking their heads right up until the end. His familiar closing, "Glad you met me," returns to him as he meets his Lord and Savior and shares eternity with loved ones. He and his family are grateful for all the caring and kindness shown by family, friends and health care providers.
A memorial service will be held at East Bay Calvary Church at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, with Pastor Sheldon Reist officiating. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial will be at 12:30 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery, prior to the memorial service.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Upper Peninsula Bible Camp building fund. Envelopes may be obtained at the church.
Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
Arrangements were made with Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
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