Louis John PETRUSSA

Petrussa: Louis John 1927 - 2004 Louis John Petrussa passed away in his sleep at his home on the farm on Thursday, February 5, 2004 at the age of 77 years. John Petrussa was born on January 4, 1927 in Big Valley, Alberta to Peter and Emilia Petrussa. He attended the Gopherhead School where he did very well as a student. After school he worked on the farm and also worked for Steffler Construction for one winter. On the farm, John worked along side his father and brother Ernie. In 1954, John and Ernie started seed growing and continued doing so for the next 50 years. John was married to Irene Lenkiewich on June 17, 1967 in Calgary, Alberta. In his younger years, John enjoyed flying and held his pilots license for a number of years. He was a large and long time supporter of the Big Valley and Byemoor communities, supporting many activities including curling and hockey. John liked to follow the Big Valley Oil Kings hockey team. He also gave generously to the Red Deer and Stettler Hospitals, and to S.T.A.R.S. One of John s first loves was farming. His machines were his toys. He was proud of both his crops and his machinery, particularly the RED machinery, although he put up with the green. John, along with his brother Ernie are considered by many to be the grandpas of the seed growers and have been mentors for the younger generations, "both family and neighbours," who often sought John's advice, which he was only too willing to share. John was also very proud when he and brother Ernie received both the Big Valley Ag. Society Community Award and their 50-Year Seed Growing Pin this past January. Predeceasing John were his younger brother Gino in 1944, father Peter in 1958, niece Debbie Radke in 1960, mother Emilia in 1972, brother-in-law Joe Fodor in 1986, and brother-in-law Ray Radke in 1992. John is survived by his loving wife Irene of Big Valley; brother Ernie of Big Valley; sisters Anne Jones of Stettler, Lucy Steffler of Edmonton, Adeline Radke of Edmonton and Elsie Fodor of Calgary; brothers-in-law John Jones of Byemoor and Gerald Steffler of Ft. Saskatchewan; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of neighbours and friends. Prayers were held at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 in the Christ King Catholic Church. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 with Rev. Fr. Paul Kavanagh celebrant. Miles Jones shared Words of Remembrance, the scripture reading were given by Teresa Blouin, Carrie-Lyn Jones and Dwayne Radke, the pianist was Joan Rushton and the Leader of Song was LeeAnn Kinderwater. Congregational hymns were "Amazing Grace", "Come With Me Into The Fields", "Seed Scattered And Sown, " and "How Great Thou Art." Honorary Pallbearers were all John's family and friends, with the active pall-bearers being Gordon Brown, Douglas Brown, Jess McKnight, Warren Jones, Adam Jones and Justin Jones. Interment was at the Lake View Cemetery, Stettler, Alberta. Following the service, family and friends gathered in the Stettler Community Hall for a time of sharing and light refreshments prepared and served by Bill's Catering of Big Valley. Memorial donations may be made to the Stettler Ambulance, S.T.A.R.S. or the charity of the donor's choice c/o Stettler Funeral Home. Stettler Funeral Home, 742-3422, entrusted with the care and arrange-ments.