Dr. Ronald Thomas Petrick

Ronald Thomas Petrick was born on April 27th, 1935 to Florin and Ruth Petrick in Racine WI at St Mary’s Hospital. His father Florin was a great family man who loved and cared for his wife and children. But when Ronald was only 4 and his older brother Richard was only 6, his father became very sick with pneumonia. After only 2 weeks in the hospital, Florin passed away. Ron was only 4 and did not understand death. At the funeral he remembered saying “Daddy, wake up! Daddy, wake up!” His mother, Ruth cried hysterically and said she wanted to end her life. She had always turned away soulwinners from a local Bible Church and tried to pretend she wasn’t home when they came to the house. But now she needed answers and allowed them in. 

Ruth accepted Jesus as a result of this tragedy in her life. Even though she only had a 6th grade education, she attended Racine Bible Church regularly, read her Bible, and prayed for her boys. She married Florin’s brother Thomas, shortly after Florin’s death. Thomas drank heavily and many times would come home all beat up from fights in the bar. Many times he would even be passed out on the front lawn. The family went without rent or food money many times because of his drinking. Ronald’s step-father would beat up his mother quite frequently because she would take money from him when he was asleep or drunk and hide it to pay for food or rent. He would then beat her up to get the money back. Ronald hated weekends because his step-father would be drunk from Friday eve. until Mon. morning when he went back to work. In first grade, Ronald was sick with chicken pox and then measles. Because of this, he missed a lot of school and flunked first grade. In grade school, Jr. high and high school, Ronald had become bitter because his father died, and his step-father was always drunk. He was fighting all the time. His goal was to beat up every kid in the school. At age nine, Ronald made a profession of faith to trust Christ, while at Racine Bible Church . As a boy he did many dangerous things. For example, he jumped off of a 2-story porch in grade school to impress his friends and broke his arm. He did things like diving off the forty-foot quarry walls in Racine into the water, and swinging out over the lake bank on Lake Michigan using tree branches and cables tied to trees. One time he jumped and missed the branch he was trying to grab. He fell down on the rocks and came home bleeding. His mother wanted him to go to the hospital for stitches, but his step-father said in his gruff voice, “It’ll heal”. Once he almost drowned swimming in the quarry while having a contest to see who could swim the farthest under water. 

In 9th grade he dropped out of school to work in a bakery. Then he decided to go back to school to play football. After graduating High School,.. in 1955, he went to Dana College in Nebraska on a recommendation from the high school football team’s Doctor. He came to college on academic probation and ended up graduating at the top of the class. It was here he met the lady that would become his wife, -Doris Flarup. He dated her, on and off for about 3 years. Doris said he would sit at her table in college for lunch and dinner. She said it was not “love at first sight”, but she said he was always goofing around with the other guys and that he was always having fun. She remembers their first date, where they walked downtown and when they came back, he asked her, “if you died, are you sure you would go to heaven?”, and she answered, -no. He was not right with the Lord at that time and was training for football in a fitness gym in Omaha . He trained with a fitness instructor by the name of Daryl Scott who had won the Mr. Nebraska title for weight lifting. One day Daryl was standing on the street corner in front of the gym and an old friend of Daryl’s showed up and gave him the gospel. Daryl got saved that day and was so excited he began sharing the gospel with everyone there. Daryl’s wife also got saved, and his marriage was put back together. Ronald became so convicted by this man’s dramatic conversion, that he questioned his own salvation. Although he had heard the gospel his entire life, he did not have the assurance of his salvation, and he did not have the changed heart and life that he saw in Daryl Scott’s life. At age 23, in his apartment. in Nebraska , Ronald cried out to Lord and was truly saved. He had purchased an engagement ring for Doris , but decided he would not give it to her unless he knew first that she was saved. He shared the gospel with her and she realized that even though she knew all of the Bible stories in her head, she had not accepted Jesus with her heart. So she bowed her head and asked Jesus to come into her heart and save her that day. Immediately after she trusted Christ, Ronald said, - Now, I have another question to ask you,… will you marry me? He gave her the engagement ring and she said, YES!!! They were married on May 16th, 1959.

In June of 1959, Ronald announced to his new bride that he felt God was calling him into the ministry. Doris says that she was shocked and thought…. “That would make ME a Pastor’s wife!!!” “ I’m not qualified….I’m not ready for this!”

Ronald only knew of 2 Bible colleges at that time,. Wheaton college in Wheaton , IL and Moody Bible Institute in Chicago . He wanted to go to Moody and they required married couples who attended, to be married for at least one year. So they waited a year and went off to Moody in 1960. He graduated in 1963 with a Pastor’s Diploma. While at Moody, he taught a Sunday School Class of about 40 rowdy boys on the south side of Chicago . After graduation, he still felt that God wanted him to become a Pastor at sometime in the future. He went back to Dana College in Nebraska for 1 more year to finish his bachelor’s degree in sociology. It was during this time back in Nebraska , that their first child, Jolene Kay Petrick was born. Then they moved just north of Milwaukee , while Ron attended college at the University of Wisconsin , Milwaukee for 2 years and earned his Master’s degree in Psychiatric social work. It was during this time in Milwaukee that their 2 sons were born, Mark Ronald Petrick and Brian Thomas Petrick. Shortly after, Ron and Doris moved to New London WI . Ron went to work at Rawhide Boys Ranch, working with juvenile delinquents. The Petrick’s were there from about 1970-1975.. It was a Christian-based program that included work programs and chapel, where he preached frequently. They also ate together with the boys at lunch and dinner, and even had some of the boys come live with them in their home. Doris remembers their experience at Rawhide as being good for the kids and good training for the ministry. In 1972, their last child was born: Ted Richard Petrick In Jan. of 1973, Doris suffered a stroke (they called it a blod-clot on the brain). Ted was not even 1 yet. Brian was 4. Mark was 6 and Jolene was 8. Ron remembers telling the Lord during this time that his wife and kids and all he possesed belongs to Him, and if he decided to take everything away he would still serve Him. God spared her life. Doris was in the hospital for 1 week, but her effects of the stroke lasted for 1 full year. Doris remembers how God provided for them during this time. God sent them a young lady, a friend of the family named Carol who was in transition at that very time. She was laid off from her job and had no where to stay. She stayed with the Petrick’s and helped take care of the kids while Doris recovered. Doris remembers how she was left feeling dull after the stroke. She didn’t want to go anywhere or to be with anybody during that time. Any kind of noise bothered her and she cried a lot for no reason. These were all symtoms and effects of the stroke. She remembers many people who helped her & encouraged her, bringing food over and helping any way they could. She remembered thinking “I’ll never be able to drive again or even talk to more than one person at a time.” Ron begged her to get her out of the house and to go places with him. He always told her he needed her along, whenever he’d go out. She reluctantly agreed, and this helped her to recuperate. 2 years after that, in 1974, God began to work in Ron’s heart again about becoming a Pastor. The schools were all on strike at that time in the area, so Ron decided to take his family on a vacation all over the U.S. in their new dodge van. They went to the Grand Canyon, to California , to Salt Lake City , and North and South Dakota all in one trip. The kids thought it was only a vacation, but Ron was seeking God’s direction during that time, while on that trip. He was asking God continually for guidance in the next step in his life. In Jan. of 1975, Ron sent out his pastoral resume (or so he thought). When he wondered why he wasn’t receiving any calls for some time, he contacted the Moody Bible Institute. He found out that his resume was not even sent out until 8 months later. He started getting calls from different Churches. His boss at Rawhide wanted to know when he would be leaving so he could start looking for his replacement. Ron didn’t know why, but he told him Oct 1st. of that year. He didn’t have a job or a house lined up yet. He did not have his house sold yet. During this same time also, he was offered a job as the Chief Psychiatric Social Worker in a Milwaukee Hospital . He was repeatedly contacted and encouraged to accept this position by the director who constantly reminded him of the high salary and benefits of this position. 

About 3 weeks before Oct 1st, Beach Community Bible Church , in Waukegan IL , contacted him by mail and asked him to come candidate. Mrs. Petrick remembers reading that letter and somehow she knowing that this was the church. He came and preached at their next Sunday morning service that he was able. After the service, the board interviewed him. Mrs. Petrick remembers the Lord giving her an overwhelming peace about this being the church and the right move in their lives. Traditionally, the Church would wait 2 weeks before voting to officially accept or not accept a pastoral candidate as the Church’s Pastor. Bro. Petrick told them he had to be gone in one week, so they broke this tradition and Bro. Petrick came again the next week He preached again, and was presented for the congregational vote. The church voted unanimously to have Bro. Petrick become their Pastor. Pastor Petrick teased the people by saying he was not sure if he should accept the call; however, he explained, his van was packed full outside and anyone willing could help unload the items into the church parsonage! God also found a buyer for their house in Wisconsin , just in time, who was able to pay cash for the house, so there was no delays with the closing. He served there as Pastor for 5 years.The Beach Community Bible Church had now grown from 50 to over 500 during that short time. If was a very exciting experience to be a part of! Mrs. Pertrick remembers this as an enjoyable time. She remembers her many friends she had there and the time of her personal growth. Doris' Mother, Esther Flarup got saved during this time, sold her house in Minnesota and helped Pastor and Doris buy a nice home in on Ford street west of Green Bay Rd. in Beach Park where she could come and stay with them. This is the home they resided in until 2020. 

At age 46, Pastor Petrick started a new church with a group of about 70 people in that very home on Ford. In late January of 1981,…The Bible Baptist Church was born! They rented the lower level of the old Zion Library. Someone had donated a bus. So even though they had no building, they had a bus ministry! Pastor Petrick saw some property on Greenbay Rd. in Beach Park that was for sale, and God put it on his heart to buy it. It was an old mink farm. The church had about 35 people now and many were out of work. Pastor Petrick talked to the owner, then told the church that God had put this property on his heart. The owner wanted $25,000 as a down –payment. Eventually the people began to get excited about it. Then Pastor Petrick talked to the owner again and he said the property was sold to someone who was putting $40,000 down. Pastor Petrick told the owner he was praying against it, and the owner just laughed. He gave Pastor Petrick the closing date, and although the church was a bit discouraged, they all prayed against the sale. Pastor Petrick called the owner after the date had passed, and the owner said that Pastor Petrick had the wrong date, but it was not. Then Pastor Petrick waited for the 2nd date to pass, but did not call the owner, nor did the owner call him, so he assumed the property was sold. A little while later, the owner called Pastor Petrick back and asked, “Are you still interested in my property on Greenbay Rd. ? To which Pastor Petrick replied, YES! Praise the Lord! He asked the owner if the Church could buy on land-contract,and offered the owner $15,000 as a down-payment. Pastor Petrick did not know why he said $15,000, because they did not have anything. The owner agreed and the church raised the needed $1,000 for the earnest money from a yard sale! A lady who did not even attend the church sent $1,000 in the mail because she heard a Church was being started. Pastor Petrick added $10,000 to the mortgage on his home and asked several people in the church if they could give and extra $20.00 a month. Some people went out and got separate $1,000 loans. God provided and they ended up with over $17,000 for the down-payment. The Church moved to It’s current location on Greenbay Rd. , in the later part of 1981. A lot of work had to be done before the building could be usable. The freezers and coolers on the first floor had to be removed, some walls had to be removed, but the Preacher and the people “Had a mind to work”. The property was on 7 acres of land with a 2 story building and another 3 story building, all for $120,000 on a land contract deal. What a miracle that God had provided this, and worked everything out! They painted the inside bright yellow and everyone brought their own chairs. While the Church struggled to pay bills, Pastor refused a salary, and drove his trusty 1968 Volkswagen bug. He worked part-time jobs while Pastoring and so did Mrs Petrick. She left at 5 AM each morning (except Sunday) to work at Dunkin Donuts in Waukegan , to help support the family. Many times the Church was behind in bills and then something would break, or a family with a good job would leave the church. But God always provided. The huge concrete cover on the septic tank broke and would’ve cost thousands of dollars, and a man, who did not attend the church, replaced it and did not charge a dime. God used other people to give the church new roofs on the buildings, and a paved parking lot, all for free, again from individuals who do not even attend the church! God’s hand has obviously been on the ministry of Pastor Petrick and on his wife Doris Petrick. God gave Pastor Petrick his desire to start a Christian School , a Spanish ministry, to grow the bus minisrtry, to have a TV ministry, a jail ministry, an addictions ministry, a deaf ministry, a music ministry and more…There have been a lot of battles along the way, many discouragements. Pastor’s own grandson, Christopher died in his arms on Pastor’s birthday. Mrs. Petrick’s Mom went home to be with the Lord during this time as well. There have been a lot of victories too, in Pastor and Mrs. Petrick’s lives. Every time a soul is saved, is an awesome victory against Satan! The lives that have been changed, and the way the Lord is glorified at Biblical Baptist Church. Pastor’s Step-father accepted Jesus late in his life and had a few enjoyable, sober years before he went to heaven. Pastor’s mom, Ruth then came to live with him the last few years of her life as well. Pastor Petrick earned a Doctorate degree in Biblical studies while Pastoring Biblical Baptist Church. Pastor and Mrs. Petrick have often been told by many, that they were like the Mom or Dad that they never had. Pastor Petrick has always been known to be an encourager of other Pastors. He seemed to know exactly when to call a Preacher who was struggling and give him encouragement! He preached at Hyles-Anderson College Chapel once and gave the details of his struggles in the ministry. The title of that message was “Hang in there,.. Preacher!”

Somehow in all the business of the ministry, he orchestrated "GRANDPA DAYS" with all the many grandkids and of course grandma (Doris) would help him make all the sandwiches and plan a fun day out on the town, or at a park, or zoo . The grandkids still talk about how amazing it was that he and Doris actually pulled that off! 

He was a wonderful husband to his sweet wife Doris for 65 years. 

A Super-wonderful father, grand-father, great-grandfather, uncle, and more to his family in spite of not having a godly mentor growing up. 

A SUPER Pastor and spiritual Father and grand-father to so very many!

ALL Glory to GOD for transforming his heart and life to break the generational curse of alchohol and sinful living.

His positive spirit and his constant use of the word "SUPER" made a huge impact on everyone he met!

He also came up with the phrase: "Everywhere, Everyday, Everyone". That phrase refers to his philosophy on being a soulwinner for Christ. He literally talked to everyone about the Lord, handed out tracts all the time, including the ones he had printed up to look like one million, and even billion dollar bills with his super photo on it.

One year he personally led over 500 souls to Christ!

In his 38 years of preaching, teaching and Pastoring, it is estimated he preached over 8,000 times in person and on the radio. He also authored several pamphlets on solid Biblical doctrine, and was the editor of the "Biblical Baptist Press". He traveled to, and preached in many foreign countries including Mexico, Romania, Israel, Guam, Australia, Japan and the Philippines. 

In their later years, Pastor and Mrs. Petrick both had heart surgeries. They literally do everything together! Shortly after Pastor’s heart sugery, while driving to the hospital for a check-up, he was involved in a serious accident with a Semi-truck. This accident totalled his van, and broke the axle on the truck. The Lord protected him, and he had only a small scratch on his head. The Devil tried to take him out, but the Lord would not allow it. Pastor and Mrs. Petrick have still remained active,(maybe too active) and still serve the Lord and others as much as possible.Pastor Petrick and Mrs. Petrick have certainly been tested, and they have stood the test of time. Because of their faithfulness, Biblical Baptist Church has sent out several Successful Pastors and their faithful wives.

With all of these ministries combined, literally hundreds of souls are saved each and every week, thousands each year, due to the faithfulness of Dr. and Mrs. Petrick. Pastor and Mrs. Petrick have literally given their lives over to the Lord, for service in the Lord’s Army and have always tried to help and encourage everyone along the way. We cannot thank them enough for their service to Christ, their faith to follow him wherever He led them, and the thousands who will in heaven as a result of their influence and ministry!

He was strong in every way. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and especially spiritually.

Never afraid of controversy, or standing for right.

Mis-understood by some.

But he loved you no matter what.

No one will ever debate the fact that he LOVED GOD and MADE A DIFFERENCE with his life.

His SUPER attitude,

his love for family,

his love for church family

his love for boxing,

football,

colorful fighting fresh-water tropical fish,

his billion-dollar bill tracts,

his enthusiasm,

his genuine love for God,

his love for hard Biblical preaching and music,

his encouragement to Preachers and everyone he knew...

will never be forgotten!

Survivors include his children, Jolene Chavarria, Mark (Ramona) Petrick, Brian (Lisa) Petrick, Ted (Nancy) Petrick; grandchildren, Bethany (Micah) Highland, Breanna Petrick, Benjamin Petrick, Duane Smith, Nicolette Smith, Markanthony Petrick, Matthew Petrick, Tamyann Petrick, Louis Petrick, Ricky Petrick (Tania Sajuan), Maritza Petrick (Oswaldo Jimenez), Victor Petrick (Dora Aguilar); 18 great-grandchildren, nieces; Laurie and Jane (Scott). Nephews Todd and Tim. Former-in-laws, Edith Petrick, and Tonio Chavarria.

Ronald is preceded in death by his wife Doris, his sister, Carol, his grandsons, Christopher Brian Petrick, and Josue Chavarria; parents, Florin Petrick, Ruth Petrick. His step-father Thomas Petrick. 

His older brother Richard Petrick (93) also passed away just 4 days after Ronald on July 29th 2026 in California. He was also a Godly Christian man who led people to Christ, and served in a discipleship organization called "The Navigators" serving those in the military. Ronald and Richard talked on the phone and prayed for each other last on July 20th, 2026.

Visitation for Dr. Ronald T. Petrick will be held on Thursday, August 13th from 5-8pm and viewing on Friday August 14th from 8am - 9:30am. Service from 9:30am -12:30 at Biblical Baptist Church, 39236 N. Green Bay Road, Beach Park, IL 60087. Burial will follow at Benton Greenwood Cemetery next to the Church in Beach Park, at 1:00